The Thread of Life: The Story of Genes and Genetic Engineering (Canto Book)

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 Aldridge has written with a light touch full of historical references; her achievement will make rewarding reading for anyone who reads popular accounts of the life sciences. Susan Aldridge gives an accessible guide to the world of DNA and also explores the applications of genetic engineering in biotechnology. She takes the reader step by step, through the fascinating study of molecular biology. The first part of the book describes DNA and its function within living organisms. The second part explores genetic engineering and its applications to humans - such as gene therapy, genetic screening and DNA fingerprinting. The third part 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. The final part explains how knowledge of the structure and functioning of genes sheds light on evolution and our place in the world. Although easy to read, this book does not avoid the science involved and should be read by anyone who wants to know about DNA and genetic engineering. Susan Aldridge gives an accessible guide to the world of DNA and also explores the applications of genetic engineering in biotechnology. She takes the reader, step by step, through the fascinating study of molecular biology. The first part of the book describes DNA and its function within living organisms. The second part explores genetic engineering and its applications to humans such as gene therapy, genetic screening and DNA fingerprinting. The third 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. The final part explains how knowledge of the structure and functioning of genes sheds light on evolution and our place in the world. Although easy to read, this book faces up to the science involved and should be read by anyone who wants to know about DNA and genetic engineering

In this fascinating book, Susan Aldridge gives an accessible guide to the world of DNA and also explores the applications of genetic engineering in biotechnology. She takes the reader, step by step, through the fascinating study of molecular biology, examining DNA and its function within living organisms as well as aspects of genetic engineering and its applications to humans. Aldridge also 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.

"...a comprehensive guide to molecular biology, DNA, & the applications of genetic engineering in biotechnology... ideal for the reader interested in, but not schooled in, molecular biology."

This volume provides an accessible guide to the world of DNA and also explores the applications of genetic engineering in biotechnology. It takes the reader step by step, through the fascinating study of molecular biology. The first part of the book describes DNA and its function within living organisms. The second part explores genetic engineering and its applications to humans - such as gene therapy, genetic screening and DNA fingerprinting. The third part 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. The final part explains how knowledge of the structure and functioning of genes sheds light on evolution and our place in the world Susan Aldridge gives an accessible guide to the world of DNA and also explores the applications of genetic engineering in biotechnology. She takes the reader, step by step, through the fascinating study of molecular biology. Aldridge also 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. Although easy to read, this book does not avoid the science and provides a stimulating introduction to this enigmatic part of nature. Examines genetic engineering, explores the field of molecular biology, discusses DNA and its importance to genetic engineering, and looks at the field of biotechnology and how genetic engineering can be applied to such problems as producing vegetarian cheese or cleaning up the environment Aldridge provides an accessible guide to the world of DNA and explores the applications of genetic engineering in biotechnology - including gene therapy, DNA fingerprinting and producing vegetarian cheese

Describes, in a delightfully accessible way, the fascinating world of the molecular biology of the gene.