A new book on genetics for non-specialists
Inspired by the GM food debate, the book aims to give an overview of genetics and genetic engineering so that readers can make informed decisions about the many aspects of genetics which impinge upon our lives.
The rapid progress in genomics and related technologies has increased interest in genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This concise and highly readable book equips the reader with essential information about what genes are, how they work, and how they can be modified and used in biotechnology. The book starts with a summary of the beginnings of life, the structure and components of living organisms, and an outline of genetic engineering.
Rather than a compendium of genetics, which would be a very large book, it is a series of snapshots of genetics, covering both the technology of genetic engineering and examples of human genetics, genes in the environment and GM plants. The book uses material and illustrations from scientists from many countries to give a broad overview.
A simple description of genes and genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Covers genetics of people, agriculture, and the natural world
Illustrated with clear colour diagrams and photographs
From the back cover:
The coverage of human genetics spans race, human evolution and migration, the sex chromosomes, gene therapy, and forensic science. A separate chapter is devoted to the genetics and evolution of some of the major disease-causing organisms. On environmental genetics, the book considers the risks of releasing agricultural GM plants, as well as bioremediation and metal extraction by GM plants. Applications of genetic modification in agriculture pest-resistant plants, herbicide resistance and improved foods are presented as part of a discussion on sustainable agriculture to emphasize the role played by GM plants in relation to chemicals, analytic techniques, and organic farming.
Contents: Getting Started; Life: Cells, Organisms and Evolution; How Biological Molecules are Put Together; What Is a Gene?; How Do Genes Work?; Genetic Engineering; Amplification and Analysis of DNA; GMOs in the Natural World; People and Our Genes; Genetics of Some of Our Pathogens; Sustainable Agriculture; GMOs in Agriculture; Patents, Regulations and the Future.
Readership: General readers, professionals, and academics interested in or concerned about genes and GMOs. Suitable for use as a primer for genetics and biology courses at high school or undergraduate level.
About the Author:
Colin Sanderson obtained a degree in veterinary science at Queensland University, Australia, in 1964, following which he moved to Cambridge University, UK, and received his PhD in immunology. He then joined the Medical Research Council in London as a career scientist (19721990) before becoming the director of an industry-funded molecular biology research group at Oxford University (19901992). He has also carried out research in Rio de Janeiro, Canberra, and Gent. He was awarded a Doctor of Science from Cambridge University in 1991. Returning to his home in Western Australia, he established a research group in molecular immunology, retiring from research in 2004 as Emeritus Professor at Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia.
In 1986, Colin Sanderson's group discovered a protein (interleukin-5) that controls the production of eosinophils (white blood cells involved in immunity). This protein and its gene remained the focus of his research until his retirement. Since 1994, he has operated a vineyard in Albany, Western Australia (www.jinnunger.com.au), this increased his interest in conservation and sustainability and raised his awareness of the challenges of food production and transport to consumers, which in turn led to an interest in the issues associated with GM foods.
More details on the publishers website
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