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Reviewed by: Jonathon Heywood BSc CBiol MIBiol Lawrence Sheriff School Clifton Road Rugby Warks This review has been submitted to the Institute of Biology in the UK. Star Rating (max 5 stars)
This is a huge package dealing in detail with many aspects of recombinant DNA technology including gene cloning and purification and manipulation of DNA. It deals extensively with the enzymes involved and includes a thorough treatment of gel electrophoresis and restriction mapping. Background information is clearly presented and the many techniques are explained in detail with the aid of some excellent diagrams, slick animations and subtle humour. Constant review of previous sections or definitions is possible, helping avoid frustration, via hyperlinks and a clear menu system. As with other packages from PCCAL, questioning is a key feature. In this case, the questions vary in style and complexity, some involving fine discrimination and extended calculations. At each stage the objectives and requisite prior knowledge are made clear, and a well constructed summary reinforces the principles covered. This is not a package that can be tackled in one sitting as with many more readily available multimedia titles - it is simply far too big. As a supplement to similar lectures or as a means of bringing molecular biology textbooks to life this is an invaluable piece of software. If you have ever struggled with aspects of recombinant DNA technology or if you are new to molecular biology, this is indispensable.
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