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