Principles of Molecular Virology

Principles of Molecular Virology, Fifth Edition, provides an introduction to modern virology. Viruses are submicroscopic, obligate intracellular parasites that are more diverse than all the bacterial, plant, and animal kingdoms combined. The book examines protein-protein, protein-nucleic acid, and protein-lipid interactions, which control the structure of virus particles; the ways in which viruses infect cells; how viruses replicate; and the effects of virus infection on host organisms. The book begins with a history of virology, tracing the development of knowledge and research on virology. The remaining seven chapters deal with the function and formation of virus particles; the structure and complexity of virus genomes; virus replication; gene expression; virus infections; the effects of virus infection on the body and the body’s response to infection; and subviral agents, such as satellites, viroids, and prions. The text concludes with three appendices that feature a glossary and abbreviations; a classification of subcellular infectious agents; and an outline of the history of virology.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 Introduction Viruses are Distinct from Living Organisms The History of Virology Living Host Systems Cell Culture Methods Serological/Immunological Methods Ultrastructural Studies ‘Molecular Biology’ Further Reading Chapter 2 Particles The Function and Formation of Virus Particles Capsid Symmetry and Virus Architecture Helical capsids Icosahedral (isometric) capsids Enveloped Viruses Complex Virus Structures Protein-Nucleic Acid Interactions and Genome Packaging Virus Receptors - Recognition and Binding Other Interactions of the Virus Capsid with the Host Cell Summary Further Reading Chapter 3 Genomes The Structure and Complexity of Virus Genomes Molecular Genetics Virus Genetics Virus Mutants Types of mutant virus Suppression Genetic Interactions between Viruses Non-genetic Interactions between Viruses ‘Large’ DNA Genomes ‘Small’ DNA Genomes Positive-Strand RNA Viruses Negative-Strand RNA Viruses Segmented and Multipartite Virus Genomes Reverse Transcription and Transposition Evolution and Epidemiology Summary Further Reading Chapter 4 Replication Overview of Virus Replication Investigation of Virus Replication The Replication Cycle Summary Further Reading Chapter 5 Expression Expression of Genetic Information Control of Prokaryote Gene Expression Control of Expression in Bacteriophage ë Control of Eukaryote Gene Expression Genome Coding Strategies Transcriptional Control of Expression Post-Transcriptional Control of Expression Summary Further Reading Chapter 6 Infection Virus Infections of Plants Immune Responses to Virus Infections in Animals Virus-Host Interactions The Course of Virus Infections Prevention and Therapy of Virus Infection Virus Vectors and Gene Therapy Chemotherapy of Virus Infections Summary Further Reading Chapter 7 Pathogenesis Mechanisms of Cellular Injury Viruses and Immunodeficiency Virus-Related Diseases Bacteriophages and Human Disease Cell Transformation by Viruses Viruses and Cancer New and Emergent Viruses Zoonoses Bioterrorism Summary Further Reading Chapter 8 Subviral Agents: Genomes Without Viruses, Viruses Without Genomes Satellites and Viroids Prions Summary Further Reading Appendix 1 Glossary and Abbreviations Appendix 2 Classification of Subcellular Infectious Agents Appendix 3 The History of Virology Index

About the Author :
Alan Cann has worked in both the U.K. and U.S.A., and in addition to teaching undergraduate, postgraduate, and medical students, he runs a research laboratory studying themolecular biology and pathogenesis of RNA viruses. Alan Cann has worked in both the U.K. and U.S.A., and in addition to teaching undergraduate, postgraduate, and medical students, he runs a research laboratory studying themolecular biology and pathogenesis of RNA viruses.

Review :
Praise for previous editions: "An excellent virological text for students. It is recommended in many university undergraduate courses for good reason. It is well written in an accessible style... well illustrated.I suspect the self assessment questions will be usefully plundered by those setting examinations." - Trends in Genetics "Excellent. The writing flows easily with good practical examples... an attractive, up-to-date book and is an excellent buy that I can strongly recommend." - Society for General Microbiology Quarterly "More suitable for an undergraduate class than any other text I have recently seen... readable and undergraduate-friendly, and it fills a definite niche." - American Society for Microbiology News "Compact... and realistically priced... Present(s) molecular virology to an undergraduate audience is an easily digestible form." - Trends in Microbiology