Molecular Genetics of Bacteria (Snyder, Molecular Genetics of Bacteria)

The approach centers on the most-studied bacteria, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. In addition, examples from other bacteria with medical, ecological, or biotechnological significance are covered throughout the text. The material in each chapter has been substantially revised and rewritten and reflects exciting developments in the field of bacterial molecular genetics and its relationship to other fields, including genetics, biotechnology, and bioengineering.

Molecular Genetics of Bacteria, 3rd Edition is organized like the two previous editions. Each chapter contains a summary of main points, descriptions of significant experiments, a set of discussion questions and a problem set (with answers to both at the back of the book), and a list of suggested readings--all updated to reflect the most recent advances in the field. Additionally, text boxes present intriguing information on each topic without interrupting the continuity of the text.

This edition will be invaluable to anyone working in the fields of microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, bioengineering, medicine, molecular biology, and biotechnology. It is also essential reading for scientists in all fields of biology, many of whom depend upon the information in this book.

New in the Third Edition
* Completely revised and updated material, incorporating the most recent advances in the field
* Introduces over 100 brand-new illustrations
* Offers a revised and expanded glossary containing approximately 1,000 entries

This is undoubtedly the best introduction to prokaryotic biology out there. Highly recommended.


Fantastic introduction to the subject   August 1, 2005
Larissa Parsley (Alabama)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

This is one of few college textbooks I've used that has actually HELPED me learn the course material. The book takes you from the basics (DNA structure and replication, etc.) all the way through some very complex concepts while never missing a beat. It's surprisingly readable and student-user-friendly whether you're a beginner or a certifiable gene jockey. My only complaint is the quality of the figures; some of them are very small and thus hard to read, and as one reviewer commented, they are sort of simplistic to the point of not being very thorough. Having full-color illustrations would be a big plus.

Overall, this book definitely surpasses other bacterial genetics books I've seen as far as readability and organization goes. It delivers what it promises!


Very useful and informative   March 5, 2005
Fred D. Mast
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This book is great in developing the concepts and explaining in an easy but at the same time technical way just what is involved in bacterial genetics. Teaching from the historical perspective, you really get a sense of what these researchers were faced with and just how valuable their breakthoughs were. It doesn't try to be "hip" like so many other undergraduate textbooks out there, and for that they get full credit. The figures are a little simplistic though.


Great Book   November 26, 2007
M. Varina
This is a great current reference book! The information is presented in a logical easy to read style. Good for beginning and advanced students.


the book condition is excellent, but it took so long to get.   November 4, 2009
H. Tong
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

The book condiotion is very good. However, it took almost 1 month for the product to arrive.