Introduction to Genetics: A Molecular Approach / Edition 1

by T A Brown

Overview

Genetics today is inexorably focused on DNA. The theme of Introduction to Genetics: A Molecular Approach is therefore the progression from molecules (DNA and genes) to processes (gene expression and DNA replication) to systems (cells, organisms and populations). This progression reflects both the basic logic of life and the way in which modern biological research is structured. The molecular approach is particularly suitable for the large number of students for whom genetics is a part of a broader program in biology, biochemistry, the biomedical sciences, and biotechnology.

Introduction to Genetics presents the basic facts and concepts with enough depth of knowledge to stimulate students to move on to more advanced aspects of the subject. The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 examines the function of the gene as a unit of biological information. Part 2 studies the role of the gene as a unit of inheritance. And Part 3 explores some of the areas of research that are responsible for the high profile that genetics has in our modern world, from agriculture and industry to medicine and forensics, and the ethical challenges that genetic knowledge imparts.

Introduction to Genetics is available for purchase as an e-book in its entirety or as individual chapters, and as a 1-year or 6-month rental.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780815365099
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/05/2011
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	552
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.80(h) x 0.90(d)

Table of Contents

1. The Scope of Modern Genetics

PART 1. GENES AS UNITS OF BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION
2. DNA
3. Genes
4. Transcription of DNA to RNA
5. Types of RNA Molecule: Messenger RNA
6. Types of RNA Molecule: Noncoding RNA
7. The Genetic Code
8. Protein Synthesis
9. Control of Gene Expression

PART 2. GENES AS UNITS OF INHERITANCE
10. DNA Replication
11. Inheritance of Genes during Eukaryotic Cell Division
12. Inheritance of Genes in Bacteria
13. Inheritance of Genes during Virus Infection Cycles
14. Inheritance of DNA Molecules during Eukaryotic Sexual Reproduction
15. Inheritance of Genes during Eukaryotic Sexual Reproduction
16. Mutation and DNA Repair
17. Inheritance of Genes in Populations

PART 3. GENETICS IN OUR MODERN WORLD
18. Genes in Differentiation and Development
19. The Human Genome
20. Genes and Medicine
21. DNA in Forensics and Studies of Human History
22. Genes in Industry and Agriculture
23. The Ethical Issues Raised by Modern Genetics

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Luis F Escobar, MD, MS (Peyton Manning Children's Hospital)
Description: This excellent book for introductory courses in basic and human genetics provides access to additional information online, one site geared for students with animations, flashcards, and self-study questions and another site for instructors with lecture outlines and a very useful question bank.
Purpose: The author makes sure that he clearly presents the basic facts and concepts of the application of molecular technology to the knowledge of genetics. A professor of biomolecular archeology, he presents a unique and tremendously useful genetics textbook.
Audience: The book is directed to undergraduate students in basic genetics courses. However, the pedagogic style and refreshing perspective makes this an attractive book for genetics counseling students, medical genetics residents, and anthropology students, as well as individuals in search of a review of recent information on molecular genetics. Medical students may find this book useful in their introduction to this subject.
Features: The first of the book's three sections covers genes and gene expression, the second section discusses the role of DNA in genetic inheritance making the link to human genetics, and the third reviews areas of research that influence our current knowledge of human disease, evolution, and forensics. There are a few chapters that are not usually seen in introductory textbooks; of particular interest is the review of inheritance of genes during virus infection cycles as well as the involvement of genes in industry and agriculture discussed in chapter 22. The author presents the material in a well-organized manner with an inviting design. Graphs and art work are simple but well planned, and a significant effort has been made to avoid complex figures that may mislead readers. The self-study questions at the end are extremely useful to secure basic concepts.
Assessment: This book is well done with an excellence and innovation seldom seen in introductory textbooks of human genetics. Although it reviews basic genetic information, that author's approach to the subject sets this work apart.

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