Genetics For Dummies

About this book

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 well-being. 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.

Contents

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 Genetics 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

Customer Reviews

Biography

Rene Fester Kratz, PhD, teaches cell biology and microbiology at Everett Community College. Kratz is the author of Molecular & Cell Biology For Dummies, Biology For Dummies, and Biology Essentials For Dummies.

Lisa J. Spock, PhD, CGC, is a clinical genomics specialist. Previously, she was a genetic counselor at Indiana University School of Medicine.