Genetics For Dummies

Overview

Evolve your knowledge of the fast-moving world of genetic research

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 wellbeing. 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.

  • Grasp the basics of cell biology and get a primer on the field of genetic research
  • Discover what you can learn about yourself, thanks to advances in genetic testing
  • Learn how your genes influence your health and wellbeing, today and as you age
  • Follow along with your college-level genetics course—or refresh your knowledge—with clear explanations of complex ideas

Genetics For Dummies is great for students of the biological sciences, and for the genetically curious everywhere.

Read More

About The Author

René 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.

Sample Chapters

genetics for dummies

CHEAT SHEET

Genetics is a complex field with lots of details to keep straight. But when you get a handle on some key terms and concepts, including the structure of DNA and the laws of inheritance, you can start putting the pieces together for a better understanding of genetics.The scientific language of geneticsFrom chromosomes to DNA to dominant and recessive alleles, learning the language of genetics is equivalent to learning the subject itself.

HAVE THIS BOOK?

Articles from
the book

Many milestones define the history of genetics. The events in the world of genetics are listed here roughly in order of historical occurrence. ©Nasky/Shutterstock.com The publication of Darwin’s The Origin of Species Earthquakes have aftershocks — little mini-earthquakes that rattle around after the main quake.
Genetics is a field that grows and changes with every passing day. This list shines the spotlight on ten of the hottest topics and next big things in this ever-changing scientific landscape. ©Dusan Petkovic/Shutterstock.com Direct-to-consumer genetic testing Not too long ago, genetic testing was uncommon and was reserved for visits to a geneticist, genetic counselor, or other specialized healthcare provider.
One of the hottest topics these days is gene editing (also known as genome editing). Gene editing is a group of genetic engineering technologies that allow scientists to change a specific sequence within the genome. Each of these technologies involves an engineered enzyme called a nuclease, which can cut DNA, along with some kind of guide to lead the enzyme to the right place in the genome.
Transgenic critters (genetically modified organisms) are all over the place. Animals, insects, and bacteria have all gotten in on the fun. In this article, you take a trip to the transgenic zoo to learn a little bit about the menagerie. Transgenic animals Mice were the organisms of choice in the development of transgenic methods.
Genetics is a complex field with lots of details to keep straight. But when you get a handle on some key terms and concepts, including the structure of DNA and the laws of inheritance, you can start putting the pieces together for a better understanding of genetics.The scientific language of geneticsFrom chromosomes to DNA to dominant and recessive alleles, learning the language of genetics is equivalent to learning the subject itself.
If genetic modification is so ubiquitous, what’s the problem with transgenic organisms? After all, humans have been at this whole genetic modification thing for centuries, right? Well, historically, humans have modified organisms by controlling matings between animals and plants with preexisting genetic compatibility, not by introducing sequences from different species.
https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6630d85d73068bc09c7c436c/69195ee32d5c606051d9f433_4.%20All%20For%20You.mp3

Frequently Asked Questions

No items found.