These are: host-parasite interaction; metabolism and drug action; genomes; gene expression and genetics; cell biology; immune response. As expected of a text of this nature, in each chapter in each section, the subject matter is treated in great detail, complete with clear illustrations and a comprehensive list of references. This makes the text very useful particularly for those keen on developing research protocols. Probably one of the most difficult things in writing books on parasitology is the extent of coverage of the large number of parasites that afflict man and animals today. Parasitologists will be surprised to find virtually every parasite of interest sufficiently covered in this text.

Molecular Parasitology is a fast developing field and what would be considered a predecessor of this text---entitled The Biology of Parasitism, A Molecular and Immunological Approach, edited by Paul Englund and Alan Sher--was published in 1988. Then (just 7 years previous to this one), the book reflected the depth of knowledge at the time delving largely into antigenic variation of trypanosomes, immunlology related to antigens required for vaccine development, various aspects of cell biology and genetics, and global problems of parasitic diseases. A cur- sory look at the contents of Molecular Approaches to Parasitology and one is left in no doubt that another book was overdue. Some of the great advances in parasitology in the last few years have been carefully illustrated in this volume. Many of these, eg successful transfection of Leishmania, Trypanosoma, Toxoplasma and Plasmodium and the several new areas in the biology of parasites that could now be investigated have been reflected in this text. Examples of these are: the role of cytokines in immu- nity to parasites; molecular biology of Caenorhabditis elegans and parasitic nematodes; RNA editing. The book focuses on one area of parasitology, a subject which is broad and covers a range of organisms from protozoa to helminths and insects, and where the study can range from purely molecular to epidemiological or even ecological. This text is a welcome contribution to the study of molecular parasitology.

D W Makawiti

189

Extracellular Matrix A Practical Approach

Edited by M A Hara ldson and J R Hassell. pp 404. I R L Press at Oxford University Press, Oxford. 1995. £29.50

ISBN 0-19-963220-0

Although this is basically a research laboratory text, it contains a great deal of information that may be of value to those preparing courses, designing laboratory practical experiments for classes, or trying to think of ideas for student final year research pro- jects. It gives ample experimental detail along with protocols and selected references. It represents excellent value for money.

The first chapter presents an overview of the ECM, well done in 24 pages. Chapters 2-5 are on collagens, and related proteins; with Chapter 6 being on the post-translational processing of collagen. Chapters 7 and 8 are on fibronectin and other similar proteins. Chapter 8 and 9 are on glycosaminoglycans, and chapter 11 is on elastin. Chapter 12 is on collagenases & Co, and Chapters 13 and 14 are on the use of ECM materials in culture and on immunological identification. The last two chapters have a more molecular biological flavour, 15 being on RNA isolation and analysis and 16 being on cosmid DNA libraries. As usual with books in this series there is an Appendix listing suppliers.

The book is certainly comprehensive and most of the authors are authorities in their field. Highly recommended.

E J Wood

BIOCHEMICAL EDUCATION 24(3) 1996