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Biotechnology

Fourth Edition

Biotechnology will undoubtedly be the major technology of the twenty-ﬁrst century. It

concerns the practical application of biological organisms or their various components to

the beneﬁt of humankind, and spans a multitude of modern and traditional industries.

The rise of genetic engineering, genomics and proteomics and the creation of transgenic

crops and animals have revolutionised activities as varied as brewing beer and the treatment

of sewage and waste water, to drug development and agriculture.

In this expanded fourth edition of his popular textbook, John Smith once again demys-

tiﬁes biotechnology, and especially genetic manipulation, clearly and accessibly, explaining

the history, techniques and applications of modern biotechnology for students and the

general reader. All aspects of biotechnology are covered and a positive stance is taken con-

cerning the potential beneﬁts to human society. In this edition, greater emphasis is given

to the public perception of biotechnology and the ethical and safety questions raised.

JOHN E. SMITH is Emeritus Professor of Applied Microbiology in the Department

of Bioscience, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow and Chief Scientiﬁc Adviser to Myco-

Biotech Ltd, Singapore.

The Studies in Biology series is published in association with the Institute of

Biology (London, UK). The series provides short, affordable and very readable

textbooks aimed primarily at undergraduate biology students. Each book offers

either an introduction to a broad area of biology (e.g. Introductory Microbiology )ora

more in-depth treatment of a particular system of speciﬁc topic (e.g. Photosynthesis ).

All of the subjects and systems covered are selected on the basis that all

undergraduate students will study them at some point during their biology degree

courses.

Titles available in this series

An Introduction to Genetic Engineering , 2nd edition, D. S. T. Nicholl

Introductory Microbiology ,J.Heritage, E. G. V. Evans and R. A. Killington

An Introduction to Parasitology ,B.E.Matthews

Photosynthesis , 6th edition. D. O. Hall and K. K. Rao

Microbiology in Action ,J.Heritage, E. G. V. Evans and R. A. Killington

Essentials of Animal Behaviour ,P.J.B.Slater

An Introduction to the Invertebrates ,J.Moore

Nerve and Muscle ,3rd edition, R. D. Keynes and D. J. Aidley

Biotechnology , 4th edition, J. E. Smith

Biotechnology

Fourth Edition

John E. Smith

Emeritus Professor of Applied Microbiology,

University of Strathclyde, Glasgow and

Chief Scientiﬁc Adviser to MycoBiotech Ltd, Singapore