Reveals the connections between genetics and specific diseases

Understand the science and the ethics behind genetics

Want to know more about genetics? This non-intimidating guide gets you up to speed on all the fundamentals. From dominant and recessive inherited traits to the DNA double-helix, you get clear explanations in easy-to-understand terms. Plus, you'll see how people are applying genetic science to fight disease, develop new products, solve crimes . . . and even clone cats.

Discover:

• What geneticists do
• How traits are passed on
• How genetic counseling works
• The basics of cloning
• The role of DNA in forensics
• The scoop on the Human Genome Project

Introduction.

Part I: Genetics Basics.

Chapter 1: What Genetics Is and Why You Need to Know Some.

Chapter 2: Celling Out: Basic Cell Biology.

Chapter 3: Mendel’s Peas Plan: Discovering the Laws of Inheritance.

Chapter 4: Law Enforcement: Mendel’s Laws Applied to Complex Traits.

Chapter 5: The Subject of Sex.

Part II: DNA: The Genetic Material.

Chapter 6: DNA: The Basis of Life.

Chapter 7: Copying Your DNA: Replication.

Chapter 8: RNA: Like DNA but Different.

Chapter 9: Translating the Genetic Code.

Chapter 10: What a Cute Pair of Genes: Gene Expression.

Part III: Genetics and Your Health.

Chapter 11: Sequencing Your DNA.

Chapter 12: Genetic Counseling.

Chapter 13: Mutation and Inherited Diseases.

Chapter 14: The Genetics of Cancer.

Chapter 15: Chromosome Disorders.

Chapter 16: No Couch Needed: Gene Therapy.

Part IV: Genetics and Your World.

Chapter 17: Tracing Human History and the Future of the Planet.

Chapter 18: Forensic Genetics: Solving Mysteries Using DNA.

Chapter 19: Genetic Makeovers: Fitting New Genes into Plants and Animals.

Chapter 20: Cloning: There’ll Never Be Another You.

Chapter 21: Ethics: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

Part V: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 22: Ten Defining Events in Genetics.

Chapter 23: Ten of the Hottest Issues in Genetics.

Chapter 24: Ten Terrific Genetics Web Sites.

Glossary.

Index.

Tara Rodden Robinson, PhD, completed a postdoctoral fellowship in genetics at Auburn University and is currently an Assistant Professor (Research) in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Oregon State University.

Reveals the connections between genetics and specific diseases

Understand the science and the ethics behind genetics

Want to know more about genetics? This non-intimidating guide gets you up to speed on all the fundamentals. From dominant and recessive inherited traits to the DNA double-helix, you get clear explanations in easy-to-understand terms. Plus, you'll see how people are applying genetic science to fight disease, develop new products, solve crimes . . . and even clone cats.

Discover

• What geneticists do
• How traits are passed on
• How genetic counseling works
• The basics of cloning
• The role of DNA in forensics
• The scoop on the Human Genome Project

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Distributor: John Wiley & Sons
Publication Date: 09-02-2005
Pages: 384
Measurements: 235.2mm X 187.89mm X 19.5mm X 19.2oz