Genetics for dummies / by Tara Rodden Robinson.

pt. I. The lowdown on genetics: just the basics. What genetics is and why you need to know some -- Basic cell biology -- Visualize peas: discovering the laws of inheritance -- Law enforcement: Mendel's laws applied to complex traits -- Differences matter: the genetics of sex -- pt. II. DNA: the genetic material. DNA, the basis of life -- Replication: copying your DNA -- Sequencing your DNA -- RNA: DNA's close cousin -- Translating the genetic code -- Gene expression: what a cute pair of genes -- pt. III. Genetics and your health. Genetic counseling -- Mutation and inherited diseases: things you can't change -- Taking a closer look at the genetics of cancer -- Chromosome disorders: it's all a numbers game -- Treating genetic disorders with gene therapy -- pt. IV. Genetics and your world. Tracing human history and the future of the planet -- Solving mysteries using DNA -- Genetic makeovers: fitting new genes into plants and animals -- Cloning: you're one of a kind -- Giving ethical considerations their due -- pt. V. The part of tens. Ten defining events in genetics -- Ten hot issues in genetics -- Ten hard-to-believe genetics stories.

A practical guide that gets you up to speed on all the fundamentals and the most recent discoveries in genetics, in easy-to-understand terms. You'll see how people are applying genetic science to fight disease, develop new products, solve crimes-- and even clone cats!

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