Quickstart Molecular Biology

Transcription

1 Quickstart Molecular Biology An Introduction for Mathematicians, Physicists, and Computational Scientists

2 ALSO FROM COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY PRESS A Genetic Switch, Third Edition, Phage Lambda Revisited Experimental Design for Biologists Genes and Signals (Kindle only) Mammalian Development: Networks, Switches, and Morphogenetic Processes RNA Worlds: From Life s Origins to Diversity in Gene Regulation Signal Transduction: Principles, Pathways, and Processes

3 Quickstart Molecular Biology An Introduction for Mathematicians, Physicists, and Computational Scientists Philip N. Benfey Duke University and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY PRESS Cold Spring Harbor, New York

4 Quickstart Molecular Biology An Introduction for Mathematicians, Physicists, and Computational Scientists 2014 by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, New York All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America Publisher Acquisition Editor Director of Editorial Development Developmental Editor Project Manager Permissions Coordinator Production Editor Production Manager Cover Designer John Inglis Richard Sever Jan Argentine David H. Hatton Inez Sialiano Carol Brown Kathleen Bubbeo Denise Weiss Pete Jeffs Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Benfey, Philip N. Quickstart molecular biology: an introductory course for mathematicians, physicists, and computational scientists / Philip N. Benfey, Duke University. pages cm Summary: This book is an introductory course in molecular biology for mathematicians, physicists, and engineers. It covers the basic features of DNA, proteins, and cells but in the context of recent technological advances, such as next-generation sequencing and high-throughput screens, and their applications. This enables readers to move rapidly from the basics to an understanding of cuttingedge research in systems biology and genomics --Provided by publisher. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN (hardback) -- ISBN ( paperback) 1. Molecular biology--textbooks. I. Title. QH506.B dc All World Wide Web addresses are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing. Authorization to photocopy items for internal or personal use, or the internal or personal use of specific clients, is granted by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, provided that the appropriate fee is paid directly to the Copyright Clearance Center (CCC). Write or call CCC at 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA ( ) for information about fees and regulations. Prior to photocopying items for educational classroom use, contact CCC at the above address. Additional information on CCC can be obtained at CCC Online at For a complete catalog of all Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press publications, visit

5 Contents Acknowledgments, vi About the Author, vii 1 Introduction, 1 2 DNA: How Cells Store Information, 3 3 Gene Expression: How Cells Process Information, 27 4 Cells and Cellular States, 45 5 Proteins and Signaling: How Cells Regulate Information Flow, 67 6 Networks Controlling Biological Oscillators, 89 7 Transcriptional Networks in Development, Understanding Complex Traits, Networks in Human Evolution, Quantitative Approaches in Biology, 129 Suggested Further Reading, 131 Glossary, 133 Illustration Credits, 149 Index, 151 v

6 Acknowledgments ARE MANY PEOPLE TO thank when a book of this nature makes it to THERE publication. Gary Carlson, former editor at Prentice Hall, commissioned the book and then was remarkably patient as it arrived in dribs and drabs. He provided insightful editing and guidance, and, when he announced his upcoming retirement, I realized I better finish it up. The editorial staff at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press have been highly professional and efficient. Courtney Babbitt and Steve Haase contributed portions of the chapters on human evolution and biological oscillators, respectively, and Heidi Cederholm wrote a first draft of the glossary. The students in my class at Duke used earlier versions of this work as a textbook and provided helpful comments and feedback. During the six-plus years from conception to completion of this book, research in my laboratory was funded from a number of sources, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Finally, my deepest gratitude for the understanding and support of my wife, Elisabeth. vi

7 About the Author BENFEY IS the Paul Kramer Professor of Biology and an Investigator of PHILIP the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA. His research focuses on plant developmental genetics and genomics. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Benfey received his Ph.D. from Harvard University and a DEUG (Diplome d Etudes Universitaire Generale) from the University of Paris. vii

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