Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
 |
Checking for direct PDF access through Ovid | |
Excerpt
Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are new and powerful synthetic molecules consisting of DNA nucleobases attached to a pseudopeptide rather than a phosphodiester backbone. PNAs are neither peptides nor nucleic acids, but are durable and resistant hybrids able to bind to complementary nucleic acids, and are able to do so with greater affinity and specificity than DNA itself. The study of PNAs and their applications is in its infancy but has the potential to revolutionize many areas of science, with PNAs serving as transcription factor mimics, probes for Southern and northern hybridizations, and antisense reagents.
This book, written by two scientists at the forefront of the development and application of PNA technology, is primarily a manual of scientific methods. It is most appropriate for scientists acquainted with the theory of PNAs looking for detailed protocols for specific applications, and will not be suitable for those interested in an introduction to this technology. The chapters cover PNA synthesis as well as such far-ranging applications as in situ hybridization (an area in which PNAs have particularly great potential), cytogenetics and molecular diagnosis, and nucleic acid purification. Each chapter includes background information, experimental protocols, examples, discussion, and an up-to-date reference list; most are well written, particularly given the density of the material. This is not a book for the casual scientist, but, for those interested in specific applications, is a clear and detailed introduction to the protocols behind this new technology.
