Written by exceptionally experienced experts from one of the world′s major biotech regions, the Heidelberg area, the authors come from academia, such well–known research centers as the German Cancer Research Center, and biotech companies. A very detailed introduction to the fundamentals in molecular and cell biology is followed by an overview of standard techniques applied in molecular biotechnology including chromatography and electrophoresis, cloning techniques, gene expression systems, immunological methods, labeling of proteins and in situ–techniques, microscopy and laser systems. The third part then focuses on the key topics of molecular biotechnology, ranging from functional genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics to drug targeting, recombinant antibodies, structural biology, gene therapy and knock mice. The whole is rounded off by a section on biotechnology in industry dealing with patenting issues, company foundation and market opportunities. Over 800 pages this book provides students and professionals in life sciences, pharmacy and biochemistry with all they need to know about molecular biotechnology.