The original German edition: Biotechnologie f�ur Anf�anger, 2nd ed., by Elsevier GmbH, M�unchen, 2006.

"Copyright Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2008."T. p. verso.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Print version record.

Biotechnology for Beginners, Second Edition, presents the latest information and developments from the field of biotechnology-the applied science of using living organisms and their by-products for commercial development-which has grown and evolved to such an extent over the past few years that increasing numbers of professionals work in areas that are directly impacted by the science. For the first time, this book offers an exciting and colorful overview of biotechnology for professionals and students in a wide array of the life sciences, including genetics, immunology, biochemistry, agronomy, and animal science. This book also appeals to the lay reader without a scientific background who is interested in an entertaining and informative introduction to the key aspects of biotechnology. Authors Renneberg and Demain discuss the opportunities and risks of individual technologies and provide historical data in easy-to-reference boxes, highlighting key topics. The book covers all major aspects of the field, from food biotechnology to enzymes, genetic engineering, viruses, antibodies, and vaccines, to environmental biotechnology, transgenic animals, analytical biotechnology, and the human genome. This stimulating book is the most user-friendly source for a comprehensive overview of this complex field.

1. Beer, Bread and Cheese -- The Tasty Side of Biotechnology 2. Enzymes -- Molecular Supercatalysts for Use at Home and in Industry 3. The Wonders of Gene Technology 4. White Biotechnology -- Cells as Synthetic Factories 5. Viruses, Antibodies and Vaccines 6. Environmental Biotechnology -- From One-Way Streets to Traffic Circles 7. Green Biotechnology 8. Embryos, Clones and Transgenic Animals 9. Myocardial Infarction, Cancer and Stem Cells 10. Analytic Biotechnology and the Human Genome