The Thread of Life

ISBN-13: 9780521465427 / Angielski / Twarda / 1996 / 272 str.

Susan Aldridge

Opis

DNA "fingerprinting," genetic engineering of food, genetic screening, gene therapy, the human genome project...there is no shortage of news these days about the genetic revolution. The purpose of this book is to take the interested reader behind the headlines to explore the fascinating world of molecular biology. Eschewing jargon, author Susan Aldridge gives an accessible account of the world of DNA and also explores its present and future applications. In the first part of the book, she explains what DNA is and how it functions within living organisms. In the second part, she explores genetic engineering and its applications to humans--such as gene therapy, genetic screening, and DNA fingerprinting. In the third, the author looks at the wider world of biotechnology and how genetic engineering can be applied to such problems as producing vegetarian cheese or cleaning up the environment. Finally, she explains how knowledge of the structure and function of genes sheds light on evolution and our place in the world. Aldridge has written with a light touch full of historical references; her achievement will make rewarding reading for anyone who reads popular accounts of the life sciences.

Recenzje

'… begins with a concise but clear and accurate account of what genes are and how they were discovered … The author writes clearly and concisely, avoiding jargon by using homely analogies and simple explanations, but without compromising scientific accuracy … Highly recommended for anyone who wants to understand more about the genetic revolution.' James W. Goding, Medical Journal of Australia

Spis treści

Preface; Acknowledgements; Part I. What Is DNA?: 1. DNA is life's blueprint; 2. DNA in action; 3. A close up of the genome; 4. Where did DNA come from?; Part II. Engineering Genes: 5. Genetic engineering; 6. Creating new life forms; 7. Genes: the human angle; 8. New genes for old; Part III. Biotechnology: 9. The wide world of biotechnology; 10. Plant power; 11. Environmental solutions; Part IV. The Final Frontier?: 12. Beyond DNA; Further reading; Index.