Manual of Cytogenetics in Reproductive Biology

The field of reproductive medicine and clinical embryology has expanded over the past few years. With the advancements in the field of assisted reproductive technologies, our understanding of the reproductive medicine has progressed manifold.

Along with this increase in the knowledge of basic reproductive sciences and pioneering work being done in this field, advanced equipment and culture media have been developed. Today, molecular cytogenetics plays an important role in the outcome of assisted reproductive technologies and has presently become an essential diagnostic tool for the reproductive biologists, medical geneticists, genetic counselors, pediatricians, gynecologists, fetomaternal specialists and oncologists. Traditional cytogenetics has now been amalgamated with the DNA analysis. This is often referred to as “molecular cytogenetics” and represents the single most significant advance in this field in decades and is considered as a fundamental part of the emblematic cytogenetics.

Manual of Cytogenetics in Reproductive Biology is divided into six sections. The first section provides the historical perspective and explanation of the concepts involved in molecular cytogenetics including a detailed description of cytogenetic nomenclature. The section also covers the basics of microscopy and cell structure to simplify the further discussions. The second section is an overview of the various investigative technologies. Peripheral karyotyping and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques are highlighted for easy understanding of the busy reproductive biologists. The purpose of this section is to provide a fundamental understanding of the basic molecular-cytogenetic techniques. The third section comprises the main focus of the book and covers nearly all the burning issues in our field as pertaining to the human chromosomes. The fourth section covers various aspects of recent advances in cytogenetics. Various recombinant technologies and essential aspects of gene therapy are well documented for the readers. The fifth section covers the essential cytogenetics as applied to the field of preimplantation genetic diagnosis. The final section deals with the prenatal cytogenetics and covers various aspects of the early fetal diagnosis.