Genetic information is carried in the linear sequence of nucleotides in DNA. Its expression involves the translation of the linear sequence of specific regions of DNA existing in the nucleus of the cell (called coding regions or genes) into a collinear sequence of amino acides (proteins). As an intermediate step, however, DNA must be copied into different types of polynucleotide known as the ribonucleic acid (RNA) which retains all the information of the DNA sequence from which it was copied. Single-stranded RNA molecules are synthesized by a process known as DNA transcription which is regulated by interactions between DNA sequences located upstream of the gene (promoters) and proteins (transcription factors). Thousands of RNA transcripts can be made from the same DNA segment in a given cell. Many of these RNA molecules undergo major chemical changes before they leave the nucleus to serve as the messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules that direct the synthesis of proteins in the cytosol. Fragments of DNA can be amplified by a process called DNA cloning which consists in inserting the DNA into a plasmid or a bacterial virus and then growing these in bacterial (or yeast) cells.

The book begins with an analysis of the methods available to the biotechnologist. In considers the range of traits that have been the subject of modification. The book discusses the modification of such agronomic traits as fruit quality and resistance to various kinds of environmental stress, as well as the use of molecular markers in plant breeding. The book is of immense importance to the students of biotechnology.

About the Author
Dr. P. Singh, ex-principal Scientist/Professor (Agronomy) has done his early education from Udai Pratap College, Varanasi and studied at GAC, Kanpur and BAC, Sabour for his B.Sc. Ag and M.S. Ag. (Agron.) degree respectively and obtained his Ph.D respectively and obtained his Ph.d degree from APS University, Rewa. He worked in ICAR project as Principal Scientist along with Professor and Head of Agronomy at RARS and College of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya. His several research papers have been published in reputed journals and presented in international and national level conferences/symposia/workshops. He has also authored at many books.

S.P. Singh obtained his M.Sc in Botany and Ph.D in Plant Physiology. At present, he is Principal of Gauri Shankar Rai Girls Degree College, Karnai (Balia). Author of many books, his research papers have been published in reputed journals.

Table of Contents

• Agricultural Biotechnology
• Prospects and Limitations of Agricultural Biotechnologies
• Biotechnology in Agricultural Development
• Biotechnology for the 21st Century: New Horizons
• Biotechnology of Vegetables and Fruits
• Vegetables and Fruits in the Fertile Crescent
• Vegetable Research and Management