Genetics For Dummies

Introduction 1 Part 1: The Lowdown on Genetics: Just the Basics 5 Chapter 1: Welcome to Genetics: Just About Everyone Loves a Good Pair of Genes 7 Chapter 2: Basic Cell Biology. 13 Chapter 3: Visualize Peas: Discovering the Laws of Inheritance 35 Chapter 4: Law Enforcement: Mendel's Laws Applied to Complex Traits. 55 Part 2: DNA: The Genetic Material 73 Chapter 5: DNA: The Pattern for Life 75 Chapter 6: Chromosomes: The Big Picture 91 Chapter 7: Replication: A Copy Machine for DNA 105 Chapter 8: Transcription: Getting Instructions from DNA 125 Chapter 9: Translating the Genetic Code 141 Chapter 10: Gene Expression: Finding the Right Tool for the Job 157 Part 3: Genetics and Your Health 173 Chapter 11: What Could Go Wrong: Changes in DNA Sequence 175 Chapter 12: Chromosome Disorders: It's All a Numbers Game 193 Chapter 13: Taking a Closer Look at the Genetics of Cancer 211 Chapter 14: Genetic Counseling, Risk Assessment, and Genetic Testing 229 Chapter 15: Treating Genetic Disorders and Using Genetics to Tailor Treatment 249 Part 4: Genetics and Your World 263 Chapter 16: Tracing Human History and the Future of Populations 265 Chapter 17: Solving Mysteries Using DNA 283 Chapter 18: DNA Sequencing: Decoding the Genome 305 Chapter 19: Genetic Makeovers: Using Genetic Engineering to Change the Genome 319 Chapter 20: Giving Ethical Considerations Their Due 339 Part 5: The Part of Tens 353 Chapter 21: Ten Hot Issues in Genetics 355 Chapter 22: Ten Pathways to a Career in Genetics 365 Index 371

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.