A.5 Molecular Biology

Recombinant DNA, by James Watson, et al., W.H. Freeman & Co. This book, though getting old for such a fast-moving field, is a gem for programmers and computer scientists entering the bioinformatics field. Many standard techniques are clearly and briefly explained with excellent illustrations. Look for the second edition, if you can find it.

Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fourth Edition, by James Watson, et al., Addison-Wesley. The classic book in molecular biology. It's very detailed; at this level of coverage, it's definitely out of date, but it's—well—a classic. Makes a good reference for the basics.

Molecular Cell Biology, Fourth Edition, by Harvey Lodish, et al., W.H. Freeman & Co. An excellent and extensive introductory review of cell biology.