Molecular Biology of the Gene (6th Edition)

Though completely up-to-date with the latest research advances, the Sixth Edition of James D. Watson’s classic book, Molecular Biology of the Gene retains the distinctive character of earlier editions that has made it the most widely used book in molecular biology. Twenty-two concise chapters, co-authored by six highly respected biologists, provide current, authoritative coverage of an exciting, fast-changing discipline. Mendelian View of the World, Nucleic Acids Convey Genetic Information,The Importance of Weak Chemical Interactions, The Importance of High Energy Bonds, Weak and Strong Bonds Determine Macromolecular Interactions, The Structures of DNA and RNA, Genome Structure, Chromatin and the Nucleosome, The Replication of DNA, The Mutability and Repair of DNA, Homologous Recombination at the Molecular Level, Site-Specific Recombination and Transposition of DNA, Mechanisms of Transcription 13 RNA Splicing, Translation, The Genetic Code, Transcriptional Regulation in Prokaryotes, Transcriptional Regulation in Eukaryotes, Regulatory RNAs, Gene Regulation in Development and Evolution, Genomics and Systems Biology, Techniques of Molecular Biology, Model Organisms. Intended for those interested in learning more about the basics of Molecular Biology.

Molecular genetics is but one part of the whole of biology, the nature of cells and how they divide, but this book makes an attempt to address both in a seemless fashion. Genetic code, the replication of viruses and the control of protein synthesis are all a part of this book.

I found the narrative to be straight forward and very understandable as the author makes the point in a logical and lucid manor. You will need some schooling in the biological sciences as this is not a book for the novice. This text will give the biologist of the future the rigor, the perspective, and the enthusiasm that will be needed to bridge the gap between the single cell and the complexities of higher organisms.

This is an excellent text.


Outstanding source for those interested in molecular biology   April 18, 2008
REIdoc (Rye, NY United States)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I am a clinician scientist and have always had difficulty in relating to pure basic science books. The Molecular Biology of the Gene changed my mind. Outstandingly written chapters with colorful illustrations take you through extremely complex subjects in a breeze. A masterpiece, highly recommended.


Clear, Concise and Comprehensive!   January 7, 2000
Dr. Elizabeth Thomas (New York, USA)
19 out of 25 found this review helpful

This book gives a better understanding and representation of recombinant DNA procedures. All topics relevant to Molecular Biology of the Gene has been addressed in a lucid manner with excellent description and illustrations. A lot of progress had been made in this field hence. But this is a must buy for students as well as educators of molecular biology.


GREAT BOOK FOR BIOINFORMATIANS   April 8, 2008
Z. Xie (Baltimore)
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

I am a bioinformatian and always look for a reference molecular biology book which not only covers a range of topics but also is clear enough for a reader with limited knowledge of molecular biology. This books is exactly the one I was looking for. Even more, it provides a nice introduction to some basic molecular biology techniques. Highly recommend to any one who wants to know more about molecular biology from other backgrounds.


An outstanding textbook visually and organizationally.   July 6, 2008
Richard L. Nachman
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

This has been refined over the years to be the gold standard of an educational text . Well worth the price.