
Genes: A Very Short Introduction
Very Short Introduction
Jonathan Slack(Author)
Oxford University Press
Published on 25. September 2014
Book
Paperback/Softback
144 pages
978-0-19-967650-7 (ISBN)
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Description
In this exploration of the concept of the gene, Jonathan Slack looks at the discovery, nature, and role of genes in both evolution and development. Explaining the nature of genetic variation in the human population, how hereditary factors were identified as molecules of DNA, and how certain specific mutations can lead to disease, Slack highlights how DNA variants are used to trace human ancestry and migration, and can also used by forensic scientists to identify
individuals in crime. He also explores issues such as the role of genetic heritability and IQ as well as the changes that occur in the genes of populations during evolution.
An ideal guide for anyone curious about what genes are and how genetics can be put to use, this Very Short Introduction demonstrates the ways in which the gene concept has been understood and used by molecular biologists, population biologists, and social scientists around the world.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
individuals in crime. He also explores issues such as the role of genetic heritability and IQ as well as the changes that occur in the genes of populations during evolution.
An ideal guide for anyone curious about what genes are and how genetics can be put to use, this Very Short Introduction demonstrates the ways in which the gene concept has been understood and used by molecular biologists, population biologists, and social scientists around the world.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Illustrations
Approx 18 black and white illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 174 mm
Width: 115 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight
126 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-967650-7 (9780199676507)
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Schweitzer Classification
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Book
04/2023
2nd Edition
Oxford University Press
€13.00
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Person
Professor Jonathan Slack is an emeritus professor at the University of Bath, UK, and the University of Minnesota, USA. He has published widely on genes in development, and has written five academic books. He is currently an editor of the Biochemical Journal and of Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews in Developmental Biology. He is the author of Genes: A Very Short Introduction (OUP 2014) and Stem Cells: A Very Short Introduction (OUP,
2012).
2012).
Author
Emeritus Professor at the University of Bath, UK and the University of Minnesota, USA
Content
Preface ; 1. Genes before 1944 ; 2. Genes as DNA ; 3. Mutations and gene variants ; 4. Genes as markers ; 5. Genes of small effect ; 6. Genes in evolution ; Conclusion: the varied concepts of the gene ; Further reading ; Index