DNA
Changing Science and Society
Published on 18. December 2003
Book
Hardback
200 pages
978-0-521-82378-4 (ISBN)
Description
1953 witnessed a breakthrough in biological science, the revelation of the double helical structure of DNA. Since the original revelation by James Watson and Francis Crick, knowledge of the structure and function of DNA has dramatically changed science and society. This volume explores the dramatic impact that this discovery has had on our lives. Beginning with the story of the discovery of the double helix, the collection looks at DNA fingerprinting and its impact on forensic and legal medicine; the extraction of ancient DNA from archaeological and palaeontological remains; the ethical implications arising from the genetic knowledge encoded in our DNA; the complex role of DNA in the cause, detection and treatment of cancer; the debates surrounding the potential commercialisation of genetically modified crops; the emotive field of reproductive medicine; and finally how the genetic basis of developmental language disorders is teaching us more about how humans communicate.
Reviews / Votes
'DNA and molecular biology have had a deep impact on society during the last 50 years: this book provides an excellent perspective.' Francis Crick '... will appeal to anyone involved in biochemistry and evolutionary biology from A-level upwards.' Focus '... a diverse and enjoyable book ...'. Journal of Genetical Research '... a diverse and enjoyable book, which I hope gets a broad readership.' William G. Hill, University of Edinburgh '... consistently interesting and well-written book ...'. The Magazine of the Cambridge Society 'In dealing with the large number of complex situations, there is a great need for wider understanding of both the biology and ethical issues. These essays provide authoritative descriptions of their diverse subjects.' The Times Higher Education SupplementMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Illustrations
8 Plates, color; 32 Halftones, unspecified; 35 Line drawings, unspecified
Dimensions
Height: 255 mm
Width: 182 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
645 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-82378-4 (9780521823784)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Content
Introduction Torsten Krude; 1. The discovery of the Double Helix Aaron Klug; 2. Genetic fingerprinting Alec Jeffreys; 3. Ancient DNA Svante Paeaebo; 4. DNA and cancer Ron Laskey; 5. DNA, biotechnology and society Malcolm Grant; 6. DNA in reproduction medicine Robert Winston; 7. Genes and language Dorothy Bishop; 8. DNA and ethics Onora O'Neill.