To understand big leaps in genome editing today, we must start small and look very closely at the molecular genetics of bacteria. In a virtual Chats in the Stacks talk hosted by Mann Library at Cornell University, microbiologists Joseph Peters and Tina Henkin discuss their new book, "Snyder & Champness Molecular Genetics of Bacteria," 5th edition (Wiley 2022), a comprehensive edition of a classic text updated to cover massive advances in the ¿eld of bacterial molecular genetics from biochemical, genomic, and structural perspectives. Although the text is centered on the most-studied bacteria, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, many examples are drawn from other bacteria of experimental, medical, ecological, and biotechnological importance. This book talk provides insights for anyone interested in the ¿elds of microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, bioengineering, medicine, molecular biology, or biotechnology.Peters is a professor of microbiology at Cornell University and the director of the graduate program in microbiology. With a research focus on genomic stability and chromosome evolution, Peters is interested in how mobile genetic elements like viruses, transposons, and extra-chromosomal plasmids have been self-assembling useful genetic combinations for millions of years in bacteria.Henkin is a professor of microbiology at the Ohio State University and a member of the National Academy of Sciences. Her research focuses on how cells respond to change in their environment through gene expression.
