Drosophila
a practical approach

John Skillcorn

Editor: D.B. Roberts
Publisher: IRL Press, Oxford, England
ISBN: 0-947946-66-7 (hardbound)
ISBN: 0-947946-45-4 (paperback)
Price: £29.95

The Publisher says:
In Drosophila provided a gene can be mapped it can be cloned and analysed. The mode of action of genes controlling development, such as the Bithorax complex - until recently known only by its mutants - is now being determined. The molecular basis of behaviour is amenable to study by mapping and cloning genes mutations of which upset some behavioural pattern. By the manipulation of cloned genes, followed by transformation, the techniques for solving cis regulation in Drosophila are available and our understanding of how it works is simply a matter of time. It seems likely that the techniques for solving trans regulation will not be long in coming.

With these opportunities for probing important problems in Biology it is not surprising that many are turning to Drosophila as their preferred organism for research. The aim of this book is to provide the basic set of techniques necessary to exploit Drosophila as a research organism.

My comments:
I include this book for one reason only.  Many of you, on searching booksellers' websites, might be attracted to this one purely because it is the only one likely to be within your price range!  All other books on the subject of Drosophila cost between £40 and £100.

This is not a book for the likes of us!  It is largely pure genetics with a tiny part allocated to the culture of the beasts.  However, if mutagenesis, cloning Drosophila genes, in situ hybridisation to DNA of chromosomes and nuclei or the localisation of RNAs in Drosophila tissue section by in situ hybridisation are your bag, enjoy!  You have been warned.