Paramecium

The techniques used to decipher the genetic makeup of species as well as epigenetic mechanisms are essential for explaining life forms and studying their DNA. As a eukaryotic model, Paramecium is well suited for genetic analysis. Taking a rather unconventional view of genetics, Paramecium: Genetics and Epigenetics explores how to use this protozoan as a basis for studying complex cells.The book discusses various aspects of Paramecium, including the cortex, the cytoplasm, nuclei, asexual fission, conjugation, autogamy,macronuclear regeneration, cytogamy, life cycle phases, and behavior. It examines the assorted mating types of the genus and how these mating types are determined. It also elucidates some techniques that identify genetically defined genes with the DNA from a library that comprises those genes and details the genetic, epigenetic, chemical, and molecular facets of several different traits. In addition, the authors chronicle the history and reemergence of investigating RNA and DNA in Paramecium. With many powerful tools now available, Paramecium research is entering a new frontier in molecular biology. A full account of Paramecium genetics, this book presents a wealth of time-consuming observations and remarkable phenomena that will lead to a better understanding of complex cells.

"This book has been long awaited . . . not a mere history or a collection of scientific results, but a dynamic and realistic overview because the authors themselves have been involved in most of the work . . . an excellent textbook . . ." – Terue Harumoto, Biological Science, Nara Women’s University, in The Quarterly Review of Biology, June 2009, Vol. 84, No. 2"In this excellent and concise book, the pre-eminent authors provide an overview of the 70 years of research on genetics and epigenetic phenomena and mechanisms in a model eukaryote, Paramecium . . . The format of the book with clearly defined chapters and subheadings in conjunction with well- presented tables, diagrams and a comprehensive index enables the reader to easily identify areas of interest . . . will be very useful for students and researchers alike." – Jun Gong, Natural History Museum, London, in Microbiology Today, Nov 2008