Functional genomics is a term still liable to induce mist in the eyes of many. This is a pity. Unlocking the information in genomes is a genuine challenge, accepted by the S. cerevisiae community. This volume takes a snapshot of the questions which can be asked with a genome, a collection of deletion mutants and various bits of kit.

First, the bad. Sequencing is replacing several array-based topics, but is not included. The major strength, however, is the combination of theory and nitty-gritty protocols. An exemplary chapter on live-cell microscopy should be useful to anyone who has looked at a yeast. Others include genetic interactions, competition assays by bar-coding, small-molecule screening and several flavours of proteomics.

A major value of this book may be in helping to overcome the fear factor. Most of the approaches are feasible in a moderately resourced laboratory, and as the tools for S. cerevisiae spread to other organisms, so will the potential usefulness of this collection.