The Thread of Life: The Story of Genes and Genetic Engineering

by Susan Aldridge

Overview

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 Aldridge has written with a light touch full of historical references; her achievement will make rewarding reading for anyone who reads popular accounts of the life sciences.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521465427
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/21/1996
Series:	Canto Book
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.26(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.91(d)

Table of Contents

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.

Editorial Reviews

'A well-paced, elegant and imaginative ride through the story of genes and genetic engineering.' Focus

'Susan Aldridge has written a fine book. It can be confidently recommended both to students and scientists in other fields, and to general readers ...'. Science Spectra

'Susan Aldridge's volume is one of the best ... an extremely clear writer, and refreshingly free of the bombast that often marks books in this field … her knowledge and skill make her an excellent guide.' Jon Turney, The Times Higher Education Supplement

'This is an informative and entertaining book which explains simply but without trivializing and is of interest both to specialist and layman … a comprehensive, up-to-date and, above all, highly enjoyable account of a fascinating area of science.' C. F. Taylor, Annals of Human Biology

'… a dependable insight into the applications and implications of molecular genetics'. Bernard Dixon, New Scientist

'Everything you could want to know about the science of DNA.' Focus

'This book should provide anyone with a little prior knowledge of genetic engineering with a good insight in to this field.' E. Green, Endeavour

From the Publisher