Genetics For Dummies

Evolve your knowledge of the fast-moving world of genetic research

Genetics For Dummies shines a light on the fascinating field of genetics, helping you gain a greater understanding of how genetics factors into everyday life. Perfect as a supplement to a genetics course or as an intro for the curious, this book is packed with easy-to-understand explanations of the key concepts, including an overview of cell biology. You'll also find tons of coverage of recent discoveries in the field, plus info on how genetics can affect your health and wellbeing. Whole-genome sequencing, genetic disease treatments, exploring your ancestry, non-invasive prenatal testing--it's all here, in the friendly and relatable Dummies style you love.
_ Grasp the basics of cell biology and get a primer on the field of genetic research
_ Discover what you can learn about yourself, thanks to advances in genetic testing
_ Learn how your genes influence your health and wellbeing, today and as you age
_ Follow along with your college-level genetics course--or refresh your knowledge--with clear explanations of complex ideas

Genetics For Dummies is great for students of the biological sciences, and for the genetically curious everywhere.

Inhaltsverzeichnis:

Introduction 1

Part 1: The Lowdown on Genetics: Just the Basics 5

Chapter 1: Welcome to Genetics: Just About Everyone Loves a Good Pair of Genes 7

Chapter 2: Basic Cell Biology. 13

Chapter 3: Visualize Peas: Discovering the Laws of Inheritance 35

Chapter 4: Law Enforcement: Mendel's Laws Applied to Complex Traits. 55

Part 2: DNA: The Genetic Material 73

Chapter 5: DNA: The Pattern for Life 75

Chapter 6: Chromosomes: The Big Picture 91

Chapter 7: Replication: A Copy Machine for DNA 105

Chapter 8: Transcription: Getting Instructions from DNA 125

Chapter 9: Translating the Genetic Code 141

Chapter 10: Gene Expression: Finding the Right Tool for the Job 157

Part 3: Genetics and Your Health 173

Chapter 11: What Could Go Wrong: Changes in DNA Sequence 175

Chapter 12: Chromosome Disorders: It's All a Numbers Game 193

Chapter 13: Taking a Closer Look at the Genet ics of Cancer 211

Chapter 14: Genetic Counseling, Risk Assessment, and Genetic Testing 229

Chapter 15: Treating Genetic Disorders and Using Genetics to Tailor Treatment 249

Part 4: Genetics and Your World 263

Chapter 16: Tracing Human History and the Future of Populations 265

Chapter 17: Solving Mysteries Using DNA 283

Chapter 18: DNA Sequencing: Decoding the Genome 305

Chapter 19: Genetic Makeovers: Using Genetic Engineering to Change the Genome 319

Chapter 20: Giving Ethical Considerations Their Due 339

Part 5: The Part of Tens 353

Chapter 21: Ten Hot Issues in Genetics 355

Chapter 22: Ten Pathways to a Career in Genetics 365

Index 371