The Thread of Life The Story of Genes and Genetic Engineering [Hardcover]

Describes, in a delightfully accessible way, the fascinating world of the molecular biology of the gene.In a delightfully accessible way The Thread of Life describes the fascinating world of the gene. It explains how genes work and how technology enables scientists to manipulate them, as well as discussing the ethical issues. This is compulsive reading for anyone interested in modern science.In a delightfully accessible way The Thread of Life describes the fascinating world of the gene. It explains how genes work and how technology enables scientists to manipulate them, as well as discussing the ethical issues. This is compulsive reading for anyone interested in modern science.DNA fingerprinting, genetic engineering of food, genetic screening, gene therapy, the human genome project...there is no shortage of news these days about the genetic revolution. The purpose of this book is to take the interested reader behind the headlines to explore the fascinating world of molecular biology. Eschewing jargon, author Susan Aldridge gives an accessible account of the world of DNA and also explores its present and future applications. In the first part of the book, she explains what DNA is and how it functions within living organisms. In the second part, she explores genetic engineering and its applications to humans--such as gene therapy, genetic screening, and DNA fingerprinting. In the third, the author looks at the wider world of biotechnology and how genetic engineering can be applied to such problems as producing vegetarian cheese or cleaning up the environment. Finally, she explains how knowledge of the structure and function of genes sheds light on evolution and our place in the world. Aldridge has written with a light touch full of historical references; her achievement will make rewarding reading for anyone who reads popular accounts of the life sciences.Preface; Acknowledgements; Part I. What Is DNA?: 1. DNA is life's blueprint; 2. DNA in action; 3. A cl3G