Human genetics : the basics

"This thoroughly updated new edition of Human Genetics: The Basics provides a concise background of gene structure and function through the lens of real examples, from families living with inherited diseases to population-wide efforts in which millions of average people are learning about their genetic selves. The book raises compelling issues concerning: The role of genes in maintaining health and explaining sickness. Genetic testing, gene therapy, and genome editing. The common ancestry of all humanity and how we are affecting our future. Written in an engaging, narrative manner, this concise introduction is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to know more about genes, DNA, genomes, and the genetic ties that bind us all.";1. From Mendel's peas to double helices -- 2. How genes work -- 3. Genes and health -- 4. Genetic testing -- 5. Gene therapy and genome editing -- 6. From ancestry to destiny. Cover......Page 1 Half Title......Page 2 Title Page......Page 4 Copyright Page......Page 5 Table of Contents......Page 6 List of figures......Page 8 List of tables......Page 10 Acknowledgements......Page 11 List of Abbreviations......Page 13 From Genes to Genomes......Page 16 Agriculture is Applied Genetics......Page 19 Mendel’s Experiments—The Mystery of the MissingTraits......Page 21 The Chromosome Connection......Page 29 In Pursuit of the Genetic Material......Page 35 2 How Genes Work......Page 53 A Brief History of CF......Page 54 Mikayla’s Story......Page 57 The Individual Level: Tissues and Organs......Page 65 The Family Level......Page 69 The Population......Page 73 A Genomic View of Health......Page 81 Causes of Death—An Organizing Framework......Page 84 Cancer: The Cell Cycle Out of Control......Page 93 4 Genetic Testing......Page 114 The First Generation of Genetic Tests: Proteins......Page 115 The Second Generation of Genetic Tests: DNA......Page 129 The Third Generation of Genetic Tests: Exomes andGenomes......Page 134 5 Gene Therapy and Genome Editing......Page 139 Gene Therapy......Page 141 Gene and Genome Editing......Page 149 DNA as Clock and Compass......Page 162 The First Hominins......Page 167 DNA Evidence Overlaps Fossil Evidence......Page 169 Expansion Out of Africa......Page 171 From Archaic Humans to Modern Humans......Page 173 Into Europe......Page 178 Genetic Genealogy and Ancestry Testing......Page 184 The Future: Will Humanity Homogenize or Diverge?......Page 185 Glossary......Page 190 Bibliography......Page 195 Index......Page 204 Human genetics has blossomed from an obscure biological science and explanation for rare disorders to a field that is profoundly altering health care for everyone. This thoroughly updated new edition of Human Genetics: The Basics provides a concise background of gene structure and function through the lens of real examples, from families living with inherited diseases to population-wide efforts in which millions of average people are learning about their genetic selves. The book raises compelling issues concerning: • The role of genes in maintaining health and explaining sickness • Genetic testing, gene therapy, and genome editing • The common ancestry of all humanity and how we are affecting our future. Written in an engaging, narrative manner, this concise introduction is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to know more about genes, DNA, genomes, and the genetic ties that bind us all. "This thoroughly updated new edition of Human Genetics: The Basics provides a concise background of gene structure and function through the lens of real examples, from families living with inherited diseases to population-wide efforts in which millions of average people are learning about their genetic selves. The book raises compelling issues concerning: The role of genes in maintaining health and explaining sickness. Genetic testing, gene therapy, and genome editing. The common ancestry of all humanity and how we are affecting our future. Written in an engaging, narrative manner, this concise introduction is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to know more about genes, DNA, genomes, and the genetic ties that bind us all." --Amazon