The fast-growing field of developmental biology provides a unifying framework that integrates anatomy, physiology, genetics, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, as well as evolutionary biology. The number of "reference" publications that deal specifically with the practical aspects of experimental developmental biology are relatively scarce. Developmental Biology Protocols grows out of this need for a comprehensive laboratory manual that provides the readers with the principles, background, rationale, as well as practical protocols, for studying and analyzing the events of embryonic development. Its highly practical format and wide range of model systems and multidisciplinary experimental techniques attest to the authors' determination to provide a balanced presentation of both background information and actual laboratory details. This three-volume compilation of relevant and useful information will be a well-utilized resource for both the students and teachers of developmental biology at all levels. Developmental Biology Protocols offers the most comprehensive, cutting-edge collection of contemporary experimental methods available for the study of embryogenesis and development. Written by an interdisciplinary team of leading scientific investigators, this authoritative collection provides step-by-step instructions for successful laboratory execution. Topics range from animal model system acquisition to molecular genetics, and include high resolution imaging, transgenesis, teratology, comparative anatomy and embryology, the characterization of embryonic structure and function, the analysis of cell function, and the regulation of gene activity. In addition to many unique, new experimental protocols, the authors have also utilized a host of experimental approaches used in other disciplines applicable to the study of development. Comprehensive and richly annotated, Developmental Biology Protocols constitutes the gold-standard reference for today's developmental biologists.