Journal of Heredity 2003:94(2)
© 2003 The American Genetic Association 94:196
Book Review |
Genetics: A Beginner's Guide
Department of Pathology UCSD Medical Center San Diego, CA 92103
A. Griffiths, B. Guttman, D. Suzuki, and T. Cullis
Oneworld Publications, Oxford, UK. 2002. 256 pp. $16.95.
This small book is not for the geneticist, but if you have a friend or spouse who would like to know what you are doing in the lab, who wants to begin to understand the jargons you have come to use, and what drives you so relentlessly to the "mouse house" in the morning, this is not a bad little gift.
In very easily understood language, and accompanied by simple diagrams, the authors of Genetics: A Beginner's Guide present the development of molecular biology genetics and plant and animal breeding; they also bring the reader up to date—to the present time—on some aspects of cloning. By referring step by step to each of the major advances in molecular biology, they provide a brief overview of all of the new biological sciences. The field of bacterial genetics is especially well covered, and the excitement of phage work is discussed particularly lucidly.
The book includes discussions on the structure of DNA, mutations, embryonic development, gene transfer, recombination, and evolution: in short, all that geneticists have done in the past and what they are working on now. There is ample discussion of genetically modified organisms and foods, and a detailed presentation of the potential harm and benefits that might accompany their introduction; these are contrasted to effects of insecticides and herbicides, among other things. Science/government and industry relations are plainly presented, but while the authors point out the debate that is now raging, they do not choose sides. It is a good discussion, and there is no pontification.
Although the text includes a minuscule discussion on knockouts in bacteria, it is really too brief, and the future edition should include more specifics on mouse knockouts because they now have become such an important aspect of research. Regrettably, there is no discussion regarding their utility. Additionally, by the time a new edition is published, more will be known on the promise or disappointment of stem cell research, which is covered here all too briefly.
Having had a Viennese Latin scholar as a father, may I point to a single error that I encountered on p. 51: filius means "son," not "brother."
The 260 pages end with a brief glossary and a few references for further reading. An easy book to read in an afternoon, Genetics: A Beginner's Guide provides all the help needed for the uninitiated, intelligent person to become familiar with the principles and current practices of genetics.
CiteULike 
Connotea 
Del.icio.us What's this?
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||