Learning any type of science can be challenging. And complex lab work can make even the most rudimentary experiments more difficult. But biologists can maintain the scientific status quo with the help of Methods in Molecular Biology. So, here’s what you need to know before picking up a copy.
What is ‘Methods in Molecular Biology’?
This is a book series that was published back in 1983 by Humana Press. It covers the basics of molecular biology research protocols. Step-by-step instructions on how to conduct biology lab experiments fill the pages. Supply lists, experiment overviews, and detailed notes are provided as well.
Each volume is full of helpful tips and tricks too. You’ll also find troubleshooting advice and reliable data to help influence your discoveries. And for good measure, each of the protocols from the MMB series has been indexed in PubMed. That means you don’t have to memorize anything.
The protocols demonstrated
There are countless methods used in a modern molecular biology lab. That’s because science continually expands to include new knowledge. So, most microbiology books focus on the basics primarily.
The main difference between common books and Methods in Molecular Biology is the comprehensiveness. This reference covers the basics but also dives deep into the following 3 topics:
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
- Genetics
Moreover, readers receive guidance through these 5 difficult, yet trusted, lab procedures:
- Molecular Cloning
- Gel Electrophoresis
- Microarrays
- Macromolecule Blotting
- Polymerase Chain Reactions
How do I use the Methods in Molecular Biology book?
Don’t read this book cover to cover because that’s not how it was designed. It’s reference material that’s meant to guide you through the various lab experiments you’ll conduct as a microbiologist. So far, there have been more than 2000 volumes published. Therefore, this book will not give you the answers but rather help you find them for yourself.
Meanwhile, you can review the table of contents from every volume by visiting the Springer Protocols website. You might have to create an account or log in first but the information is all right there. So, conduct experiments only after using the table of contents to determine which reference book to use. You don’t have to scour them all.
What if I can’t afford to buy it?
You also don’t have to buy the book if you can’t afford it. Just go to SpringerLink for instant access to the volume of your choice. They add new books and journals every day and you can even print some of the materials if you’ve got the right type of account.
How to buy the Methods in Molecular Biology book
If you insist on adding a book from this series to your collection, you can buy a copy online. Just go to The Springer Shop to make your selection. Or you can go to one of these fine retailers to snag a discount (maybe):
Also, check your local libraries and colleges to see if they have a copy available. You can always conduct an experiment without consulting it, but few will recommend that.