Review by Choice Review
This well-written account is an excellent introduction to developmental genetics. After giving a brief history of genetic analysis and embryological studies in the first two-thirds of the 20th century, Wilkins addresses the advances made in the last 20 years and why it was possible to make them. To do so, he selects three animal systems-the nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans), the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), and the mouse (Mus musculus). For each, he describes the life history, the embryology, efforts to analyze development genetically, and unique advances made through its study. In the concluding chapters he discusses applications of recombinant DNA technology to problems for future attack. There is an appendix with genomic maps, an adequate glossary, and references (up to and including some citations from 1984). This book will serve geneticists and students of development, particularly advanced undergraduates and graduate students meeting these topics in serious ways for the first time.-D.J. Widmayer, Wellesley College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
