Preface

Molecular biology is currently navigating through a genomic era promoted by advances in DNA technologies. New advances continue, and efforts are currently placed in whole genome sequencing for its future implementation to improve the accuracy of genomic selection or mapping new QTL of interest. Most modern sciences are well understood by scholars at the postgraduate level but there are very limited books and literature available targeting the undergraduate students. There is a need to develop literature, which is easily understandable for our young undergraduates, so they can also get knowledge of various molecular techniques.

With this perspective in focus, now is the time to compile all the basic information of molecular genomics into a single portfolio, so that this information can be disseminated to its real beneficiaries (young scholars). This book comprises of major features as a historical perspective of genomics, with particular emphasis on animal genomes and their time-line in modern genomics, a major phenomenon in the molecular environment of the cell, evolutionary journey of a single cell into multiplex and advanced form of life, comparison of expression patterns in different cellular types, the importance of species diversity and its molecular basis, the impact of biodiversity on socio-economical strength of a nation, conservation efforts at the genomic level for a sustainable ecosystem. After this basic introduction to genomics, the book highlights the State-Of-The- Art techniques used in the modern era of animal genomics for the advancement of economically significant traits. Gene manipulation and genetic engineering to develop better animal species have also been included. The effect of genomic environment on the expression of genes is also an essential part of defining the phenotype of a specie. Finally, ethical and moral aspects of animal genomics have been discussed to shape the Dos and DON’Ts in modern sciences. All the contents included in the book have been designed in accordance with the needs of undergraduate students. In the past few decades, there has been tremendous expansion in the field of genomics and many innovative modern methodologies have been reported that are equally useful in human and animal welfare. But most written content, in terms of books, papers, monographs and articles, focus on the worth of these scientific interventions in human sciences and less literature can be found on the emphasis of these advancements in animal sciences. In developing countries like Pakistan, where students assess modern advances in a limit, there is a need to establish a national information hub in the form of written materials that can be recommended at undergraduate and post graduate levels to uplift our scholar’s intellectual abilities by giving such exposure of modern advances. This book is a humble effort to contribute towards the rational capacity building of our young scholars, so they can be skilled in accordance with leading scientific advances in molecular genomics.