Designed for use in introductory biotechnology courses or as a supplement in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, or microbiology courses, Barnum's text gives readers a broad view of biotechnology, integrating historical and modern biotechnology topics. It then proceeds to describe the processes and methods used to manipulate living organisms or the substances and products from these organisms for medical, agricultural, and industrial purposes. Detail illustrates the technology and how it's applied - including discussions on the implications of biotechnology in such areas as gene therapy, medicine, agriculture, marine biology, and forensics. The author also uses many examples and case studies to explain topics