Chromosomes

Integrating classical knowledge of chromosome organisation withrecent molecular and functional findings, this book presents anup-to-date view of chromosome organisation and function foradvanced undergraduate students studying genetics. The organisationand behaviour of chromosomes is central to genetics and the equalsegregation of genes and chromosomes into daughter cells at celldivision is vital. This text aims to provide a clear andstraightforward explanation of these complex processes. Following a brief historical introduction, the text covers thetopics of cell cycle dynamics and DNA replication; mitosis andmeiosis; the organisation of DNA into chromatin; the arrangement ofchromosomes in interphase; euchromatin and heterochromatin;nucleolus organisers; centromeres and telomeres; lampbrush andpolytene chromosomes; chromosomes and evolution; chromosomes anddisease, and artificial chromosomes. Topics are illustrated withexamples from a wide variety of organisms, including fungi, plants,invertebrates and vertebrates. This book will be valuable resourcefor plant, animal and human geneticists and cell biologists. Originally a zoologist, Adrian Sumner has spent over 25 yearsstudying human and other mammalian chromosomes with the MedicalResearch Council (UK). One of the pioneers of chromosome banding,he has used electron microscopy and immunofluorescence to studychromosome organisation and function, and latterly has studiedfactors involved in chromosome separation at mitosis. Adrian is anAssociate Editor of the journal Chromosome Research, acts as aconsultant biologist and is also Chair of the Committee of theInternational Chromosome Conferences. * * The most up-to-date overview of chromosomes in all theirforms. * Introduces cutting-edge topics such as artificial chromosomesand studies of telomere biology. * Describes the methods used to study chromosomes. * The perfect complement to Turner.