Includes bibliographical references and index.

The development of molecular biotechnology -- DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis -- Recombinant DNA technology -- Chemical synthesis, amplification, and sequencing of DNA -- Bioinformatics, genomics, and proteomics -- Manipulation of gene expression in prokaryotes -- Heterologous protein production in eukaryotic cells -- Directed mutagenesis and protein engineering -- Molecular diagnostics -- Protein therapeutics -- Nucleic acids as therapeutic agents -- Vaccines -- Synthesis of commercial products by recombinant microorganisms -- Bioremediation and biomass utilization -- Plant growth-promoting bacteria -- Microbial insecticides -- Large-scale production of proteins from recombinant microorganisms -- Genetic engineering of plants : methodology -- Engineering plants to overcome biotic and abiotic stress -- Engineering plant quality and proteins -- Transgenic animals -- Regulating the use of biotechnology -- Societal issues in biotechnology.