This detailed volume explores techniques for the isolation, purification, and establishment of in vitro germ cell (GS) systems at different stages of development in a variety of organisms, including chickens, mice, rats, and humans. The book additionally describes cutting-edge analytic and informatic tools to study germ cell development at the single cell level and meiotic recombination. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.