The human genome : a user's guide /

Hawley and Mori have attempted to tread a fine line--to introduce the concept of human genetics to a general audience, while at the same time providing enough depth to allow more than a cursory glance at numerous relevant topics; they have succeeded in their endeavors. The Human Genome provides a thorough grounding. The authors begin with the standard background--the role of Mendel in development of the science of genetics--and continue with the concept of the gene, its duplication and regulation. The transfer of genetic information from genome to protein is explained in a general yet descriptive fashion. The remainder of the book treats the application of these basics. Divided into sections such as "How Genes Determine Sex," to how a variety of mutations or genetic errors result in genetic disease, the book addresses the molecular basis for the most common genetic diseases. The application of new research is also interspersed throughout, including topics such as cloning, cancer, and the potential for gene therapy. Short "subjects" of history and application are boxed into each chapter. Glossary; additional readings. General readers; undergraduates; two-year technical program students. R. Adler; University of Michigan--Dearborn

Using the theme of sexuality, the authors discuss basic genetics information and analytical techniques and the genetic basis of cancer, AIDS, and mental illness. A very complex subject is broken into understandable pieces and then put back together to form a complicated but comprehensible whole. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.