Introduction to Genetics: A Molecular Approach

Genetics today is inexorably focused on DNA. The theme of Introduction to Genetics: A Molecular Approach is therefore the progression from molecules (DNA and genes) to processes (gene expression and DNA replication) to systems (cells, organisms and populations). This progression reflects both the basic logic of life and the way in which modern biological research is structured. The molecular approach is particularly suitable for the large number of students for whom genetics is a part of a broader program in biology, biochemistry, the biomedical sciences, and biotechnology. Introduction to Genetics presents the basic facts and concepts with enough depth of knowledge to stimulate students to move on to more advanced aspects of the subject. The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 examines the function of the gene as a unit of biological information. Part 2 studies the role of the gene as a unit of inheritance. And Part 3 explores some of the areas of research that are responsible for the high profile that genetics has in our modern world, from agriculture and industry to medicine and forensics, and the ethical challenges that genetic knowledge imparts. Contents: 1. The Scope of Modern Genetics PART 1. GENES AS UNITS OF BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION 2. DNA 3. Genes 4. Transcription of DNA to RNA 5. Types of RNA Molecule: Messenger RNA 6. Types of RNA Molecule: Noncoding RNA 7. The Genetic Code 8. Protein Synthesis 9. Control of Gene Expression PART 2. GENES AS UNITS OF INHERITANCE 10. DNA Replication 11. Inheritance of Genes during Eukaryotic Cell Division 12. Inheritance of Genes in Bacteria 13. Inheritance of Genes during Virus Infection Cycles 14. Inheritance of DNA Molecules during Eukaryotic Sexual Reproduction 15. Inheritance of Genes during Eukaryotic Sexual Reproduction 16. Mutation and DNA Repair 17. Inheritance of Genes in Populations PART 3. GENETICS IN OUR MODERN WORLD 18. Genes in Differentiation and Development 19. The Human Genome 20. Genes and medicine 21. DNA in Forensics and Studies of Human History 22. Genes in Industry and Agriculture 23. The Ethical Issues Raised by Modern Genetics