A fascinating and accessible introduction to the key ideas of genetics
In recent years, knowledge of our genetic code has changed our understanding of life on Earth. New genetic technologies are transforming the way we live, and promise treatments for otherwise incurable diseases. But these advances are also generating controversy, particularly surrounding issues such as cloning and designer babies. In this book, Mark Henderson distills the central ideas of genetics in a series of clear and concise essays. Beginning with the theory of evolution, and covering such topics as the genome and how nature and nurture work together, he not only illuminates the role of genes in shaping our behavior and sexuality, but also the very latest, cutting-edge developments in gene therapy and artificial life. Accessible and informative, this is a timely introduction to this young and ground-breaking strand of science.
Introduction. Classical Genetics: The theory of evolution; The laws of
inheritance; Genes and chromosomes; The genetics of evolution; Mutation; Sex.
Molecular Biology: Genes, proteins and DNA; The double helix; Cracking the
code of life; Genetic engineering. The Genome: Reading the genome; The human
genome; Lessons of the genome. Nature and Nurture: Genetic determinism;
Selfish genes; The blank slate; Nature via nurture. Genes and Disease:
Genetic diseases; Gene hunting; Cancer; Superbugs. Sex, History and
Behaviour: Behavioural genetics; Intelligence; Race; Genetic history; Genetic
genealogy; Sex genes; The end of men?; The battle of the sexes;
Homosexuality. Genetic Technologies: Genetic fingerprinting; GM crops; GM
animals; Evo-devo; Stem cells; Cloning; Cloning people; Gene therapy; Genetic
testing; Tailor-made medicines; Designer babies; Brave new worlds; Genes and
insurance; Gene patenting. The New Genetics: Junk DNA; Copy number
variation; Epigenetics; The RNA revolution; Artificial life; No such thing as
normal. Glossary. Index.
Mark Henderson is Science Editor of The Times. He takes a particular interest in genetics and reproductive medicine, including IVF, PGD and Stem Cell Research. He lives in London.
