Your no-nonsense guide to genetics
With rapid advances in genomic technologies, genetic testing has become a key part of both clinical practice and research. Scientists are constantly discovering more about how genetics plays a role in health and disease, and healthcare providers are using this information to more accurately identify their patients’ particular medical needs. Genetic information is also increasingly being used for a wide range of non-clinical purposes, such as exploring one’s ancestry.
This new edition of Genetics For Dummies serves as a perfect course supplement for students pursuing degrees in the sciences. It also provides science-lovers of all skill levels with easy-to-follow and easy-to-understand information about this exciting and constantly evolving field. This edition includes recent developments and applications in the field of genetics, such as:
* Whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing
* Precision medicine and pharmacogenetics
* Direct-to-consumer genetic testing for health risks
* Ancestry testing
Featuring information on some of the hottest topics in genetics right now, this book makes it easier than ever to wrap your head around this fascinating subject.
Tabella dei contenuti
Introduction 1
Part 1: The Lowdown on Genetics: Just the Basics 7
Chapter 1: Welcome to Genetics: What’s What and Who’s Who 9
Chapter 2: Basic Cell Biology 21
Chapter 3: Visualize Peas: Discovering the Laws of Inheritance 41
Chapter 4: Law Enforcement: Mendel’s Laws Applied to Complex Traits 57
Part 2: DNA: The Genetic Material 73
Chapter 5: DNA: The Basis of Life 75
Chapter 6: Chromosomes: The Big Picture 91
Chapter 7: Replication: A Copy Machine for DNA 105
Chapter 8: DNA Sequencing: Decoding the Genome 123
Chapter 9: RNA: DNA’s Close Cousin 137
Chapter 10: Translating the Genetic Code 151
Chapter 11: Gene Expression: What a Cute Pair of Genes 165
Part 3: Genetics and Your Health 181
Chapter 12: When Things Go Wrong: Changes in DNA Sequence 183
Chapter 13: Chromosome Disorders: It’s All a Numbers Game 199
Chapter 14: Taking a Closer Look at the Genetics of Cancer 217
Chapter 15: Genetic Counseling, Risk Assessment, and Genetic Testing 235
Chapter 16: Treating Genetic Disorders and Using Genetics to Tailor Treatment 255
Part 4: Genetics and Your World 269
Chapter 17: Tracing Human History and the Future of the Planet 271
Chapter 18: Solving Mysteries Using DNA 287
Chapter 19: Genetic Makeovers: Using Genetic Engineering to Change the Genome 307
Chapter 20: Giving Ethical Considerations Their Due 327
Part 5: The Part of Tens 339
Chapter 21: Ten Defining Events in Genetics 341
Chapter 22: Ten Hot Issues in Genetics 349
Glossary 359
Index 365
Circa l’autore
Tara Rodden Robinson, Ph D, was an instructor and Postdoctoral Fellow in Genetics in the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University. She has also been an instructor at Oregon State University.
Lisa Cushman Spock, Ph D, CGC, is a clinical genomics specialist and former genetics counselor at Indiana University School of Medicine.
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