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“The Encyclopedia of Life Sciences is a wonderful resource - broad and deep in its coverage, current, authoritative, and very enjoyable to use.” Issues in Science and Technology Librarianship

Spanning the entire spectrum of the life sciences, the Encyclopedia of Life Sciences (ELS) is a monthly-updating reference work containing over 4,600 specially commissioned, peer-reviewed and citable articles written by leaders in the field. As such, it offers comprehensive and authoritative coverage of the life sciences for students, lecturers and researchers alike.

ELS articles are accompanied by colour illustrations and tables. Appendix and glossary material provide essential information for the non-specialist, including biochemical and taxonomic information, acronyms, synonyms, units and other technical data. As all articles have been peer-reviewed, a balanced representation of the literature is ensured.

Articles are divided into three different categories, which indicate their level of complexity: Introductory, Advanced and Keynote. Introductory articles have been written primarily for undergraduate and non-specialists requiring the basic concepts of a particular subject. Advanced articles provide a more detailed discussion of specialist subjects, equivalent to that found in graduate level texts. Keynote articles provide a platform for debate where controversial issues and 'hot topics' can be discussed.

Key subject areas

ELS incorporates articles based on the following subject areas:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Ecology
• Evolution and Diversity of Life
• Genetics and Disease
• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Plant Science
• Science and Society
• Structural Biology
• Virology

Excellent reviews from the experts

The Encyclopedia of Life Sciences has received a myriad of fantastic reviews, here are just some examples:

"The most ambitious single reference source ever produced in the biological sciences..."
American Reference Books Annual

"...a superb product...one of the greatest scientific publications of the 21st Century..."
Library Journal

"The sheer scope of coverage combined with the very high quality of the content make ELS a remarkable work. All libraries serving researchers in the biological sciences, whether undergraduates or researchers in the field, should strongly consider this exemplary resource."
Issues in Science and Technology Librarianship

Available in print and online

The Encyclopedia of Life Sciences is also available to buy in print as volumes 1-32, volumes 21-26, or volumes 27-32. To buy your print copy of the Encyclopedia of Life Sciences , please click hereand buy online via www.wiley.com.

How to cite an Encyclopedia of Life Sciences article

It is suggested that you use the following format when citing ELS:Cox, Diane W (January 2006) a1-Antitrypsin (AAT) Deficiency. In: ENCYCLOPEDIA OF LIFE SCIENCES. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd: Chichester http://www.els.net/ [doi:10.1038/npg.els.0006101]

Contact the Encyclopedia of Life Sciences

For all institutional subscription enquiries related to ELS (including renewals queries and requests for free trials), please see How to Order and go to Customer Support .

All editorial queries should be directed to the Encyclopedia of Life Sciences editorial office at els@wiley.com.