A major new series of methods books for the life science community, providing authoritative sources of research information and detailed practical guidance with references to the primary literature that are graded to guide readers to the most useful articles. Rather than simply offering a selection of methods from each authors’ own lab, Methods Express volumes critically assess the available techniques and approaches and advise on the suitability of each for different experimental goals. Specific protocols are then recommended and are provided in full practical detail. All authors provide detailed advice on troubleshooting problems, and example data generated by the recommended techniques are also given as benchmarks Recent advances in the study and understanding of human disease have largely been made possible by advances in molecular biology methodology. However, as the number and variety of laboratory techniques increases, so does the requirement for sufficient quantities of genomic DNA. This shortfall in availability of DNA has been addressed by the development of a number of whole genome amplification (WGA) approaches. Using these methods, it is possible to generate microgram quantities of DNA starting with as little as one nanogram of genomic DNA and in some cases even a single eukaryotic or bacterial cell. The implementation of such WGA methods provides an ample supply of DNA for large-scale genetic studies. This book will be welcomed by experienced researchers wishing to take advantage of the latest developments and by newcomers to the field who need to rapidly identify reliable techniques and approaches that will yield success in the laboratory.