Publisher's Synopsis
The application of new techniques for identifying and using cellular genetic material has resulted in an explosion of knowledge about the molecular events taking place during oral development and continuing metabolism. A paradoxical situation now exists in which undergraduates have a better understanding of recent research than many experienced practitioners in the field. Keeping that in mind, this volume presents to clinicians and investigators a broad view of the impact of molecular biology techniques on research into the development of the teeth and surrounding structures, the composition and functions of saliva, and the identification and metabolic activity of oral micro-organisms.;Invited experts review the specific proteins and peptides which have been found in developing enamel and dentine, the genes and gene products which result in the pattern of salivary proteins in different individuals, and the nature of and variations in chromosomal DNA in oral bacteria.
