Book Description

Authored by the most respected clinicians and researchers in the field, THE METABOLIC AND MOLECULAR BASES OF INHERITED DISEASE, 8th Edition, is the undisputed authority on genetic inheritance.In its pages, you can explore what is currently known about every inherited disease known to exist. Here you can review genetic perspectives, basic concepts, how inherited diseases occur, diagnostic approaches, and the effects of hormones.You can research specific syndromes, or read about specific body systems affected by disease.No other reference even comes close to its authority and comprehensive scope!
* More than 50% totally new text and topics, with the remaining text totally written or updated to include the latest advances
* Expanded coverage of cancer - from six chapters to more than three dozen - advances your knowledge of this explosive disease state and cancer genetics
* New chapter on history of the inborn errors of metabolism
* New chapter on the impact of inherited disease on health
* New chapter on inherited diseases' response to treatment
* New chapters relating to newly cloned genes
* New insight on genetics' contribution to the understanding of complex traits and birth defects
* Expanded coverage of neurogenetics
* New information on comparative genomics and its relationship to the genome projects
* New sections and chapters on disorders of human somatic development
* Useful algorithms for diagnosing disorders of mitochondrial function and of mendelianclinical phenotypes ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Comprehensive heavyweight
This is a suitably vast book for a vast subject. It covers every aspect of the application of human genetics to medicine, and the reviews are not only an ideal introduction to a genetic disease, but are heavily referenced as well. This makes it ideal as a guide to the most recent literature on the subject. The introductory chapters are essential reading as well. ... Read more

Book Description

Gives medical students 500 questions, answers, and explanations to prepare for the biochemistry and genetics sections of the USMLE Step 1. The new edition includes many new questions in the two-step clinical format to simulate the USMLE Step 1. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great question & review book
I found this book very helpful in my step 1 prepertion most of all helped me with Molecular biology questions in my actual test and is also great for genetics, over all the more questions you do from this book the more it boosts your confidence in Biochemistry in the real exam specially if you were like me (an IMG)whose Biochemistry background is weak and feel like practicing more questions, you will definitely make use of this book

helpful and good assistent in your study
it is easy to use and is giving the most popular type of question you need to pass USMLE step I so I recommended it for everybody who wants to pass the step with high score as I am doing . ... Read more

Book Description

With the participation of four new co-authors, Molecular Biologyof the Gene has been thoroughly updated and expanded to givecomprehensive and authoritative coverage of this fast-moving field,while retaining the lively, incisive writing style for which earliereditions were famous. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Molecular Biology of the Gene
Molecular Biology of the Gene written by James D. Watson is one of the best texts on biology of the molecular level. With ample illustrations this makes a wonderful text for students and those who want to learn more about the primary structures of proteins and the interplay between them.

Molecular genetics is but one part of the whole of biology, the nature of cells and how they divide, but this book makes an attempt to address both in a seemless fashion. Genetic code, the replication of viruses and the control of protein synthesis are all a part of this book.

I found the narrative to be straight forward and very understandable as the author makes the point in a logical and lucid manor. You will need some schooling in the biological sciences as this is not a book for the novice. This text will give the biologist of the future the rigor, the perspective, and the enthusiasm that will be needed to bridge the gap between the single cell and the complexities of higher organisms.

This is an excellent text.

Clear, Concise and Comprehensive!
This book gives a better understanding and representation of recombinant DNA procedures. All topics relevant to Molecular Biology of the Gene has been addressed in a lucid manner with excellent description and illustrations. A lot of progress had been made in this field hence. But this is a must buy for students as well as educators of molecular biology. ... Read more

Book Description

The first edition of Mark Ptashne's 1986 book describing the principles of gene regulation in phage lambda became a classic in both content and form, setting a standard of clarity and precise prose that has rarely been bettered. This edition is a reprint of the original text, together with a new chapter updating the story to 2004. Among the striking new developments are recent findings on long–range interactions between proteins bound to widely separated sites on the phage genome, and a detailed description of how gene activation works. ... Read more

Book Description

The long awaited second edition of a bestselling book! Using beautiful, clear graphics, this Thieme Flexibook explores the fundamentals of genetics, including the molecular, cellular, and chromosomal basis of genetics and gene expression. The structure, function, and evolution of genes and gene systems are also described. A major section covers the important functional areas of particular relevance in the medical field (embryonic development, cellular signal transmission, immune system, oxygen-transmitting gene systems, growth factors, carcinogenic genes, and numerous other functions ... Read more

Reviews (1)

an excelent companion for biomedical sudents
as a Ph.D student in biochemistry, i found this book to be a very usefull and comprehinsive review. also, i found it to be an excelent source for people who prefere reading diagrams and figures over long and boring texts. over all, i recommend it for any one involved in biomedical studies or research. other excelent books from the same puplisher include color atlas of biochemistry and color atlas of physiology. ... Read more

Book Description

Includes a Foreword by Dr. James D. Watson, the co-discoverer of the DNA double helix, and Dr. Jan A. Witkowski.

"From the Foreword by Drs. Watson and Witkowski: 'DNA: Forensic and Legal Applications is a comprehensive and invaluable guide to the field, covering topics ranging from collecting samples in the field to presenting the complex results to a jury. We are sure that it will play its part in promoting this most powerful tool in the forensic scientist’s armamentarium.'"

DNA: Forensic and Legal Applications covers the technology and laws related to DNA, as well as the use of DNA evidence in the legal system. This combination of science and law makes it the first comprehensive title of its kind and an appropriate reference for those with both elementary and advanced knowledge of the topic. It draws together in one source information that would previously have required extensive research and reliance on experts to obtain, offering both breadth and depth in a clear style without s acrificing scholarly goals.
With material from both scientific and legal areas, DNA: Forensic and Legal Applications covers the latest advances in technology. It provides an ideal text for forensic scientists and students of forensic science, analytical chemists, lawyers, judges, police officers, and detectives. ... Read more

Book Description

Genomics, the mapping of the entire genetic complement of an organism, is the new frontier in biology. This handbook on the statistical issues of genomics covers current methods and the tried-and-true classical approaches. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

statsitical genetics
There are many basic errors in statistics in this book, such as the concepts of expected value and degrees of freedom. The statistical background of the author should be very weak. From the bibliography (how many publications does the author have?) we can see whether the author is well prepared to write this kind of book. Did Dr. Ron Sederoff who wrote the foreword read the book thoroughly? If so, he should have pointed out those very obvious errors. Of course, Dr. Sederoff should not be responsible for those errors if he has no background in Statistics. I hope the author can check the book thoroughly before it goes to the fourth printing or just withdraw it from the publisher.

Beautiful job
The author of this book defines genomics as the study of whole genomes via the integration of cytology, Mendelian-quantitative-population-molecular genetics with bioinformatics and automated sequencing. It attempts to answer, the author states, such questions as to the physical and chemical requirements of genomes, the possible necessity that genes be located at certain sites to function normally, that particular DNA sequences and structures needed for gene functions, the total number of functional genes necessary for a biological system, and the homology between the DNA sequences of different species. He addresses the book to biologists interested in statistical issues in genomics, for mathematicians in genomics, and for students of genetics.

To satisfy these three classes of readers, she lists three different "tracks" for them consisting of a sequence of chapters recommended. Another good feature of the book is the inclusion of exercises at the end of each chapter, an absolute necessity for the understanding of this field. For those interested specifically in the efficacy of transgenic strategies in the design of viable breeds of plants and animals, this book will be helpful, for the author emphasizes in the book that the major application of genomics will be in finding optimal breeding strategies in agriculture and forestry.

After a brief introduction in chapter 1, the author outlines briefly Mendelian, population, quantitative, and molecular genetics in chapter 2, each presented as a separate discipline. The author never really defines what a gene "is" in the context of molecular genetics, as he does in the disciplines, but instead views it as a sequence of base pairs in the DNA strands, which has the potential of being expressed via transcription, RNA splicing, and translation, to a particular protein. Fortunately, in one of the exercises at the end of the chapter, the reader finds a connection between molecular and classical genetics by examining a trait (viewed as a simple compound) of a hypothetical plant.

Genomics as a discipline is introduced in chapter 3, and defined as the analysis of data from nuclear genomes, with the intent of learning about their structure, function, and evolution. Genome structure and sources of genome variation are discussed. Biological techniques in genomics are briefly discussed for interested readers. The author is careful to point out that complex traits cannot be related to the DNA sequences available currently as little is known about the molecular identity of most genes controlling these traits. Helpful diagrams are used to illustrate the important concepts, such as mating schemes, chromosome rearrangements, "natural" populations used in genomic research, RAPD, AFLP, and a diagram outlining the history of genetic markers.

Chapter 4 is a summary of the mathematical statistics needed in the book, but the author does give an example of the methods, dealing with mapping a gene for resistance to fusiform rust disease.

The statistical modeling of a single locus is carried out in chapter 5, as an example of what can be done, and as a warm-up for multiple locus models which follow later in the book. The author outlines how to detect segregation distortion using chi-square and log likelihood tests, and methods for determining sample size for marking screening using controlled crosses. The reader can get an idea of the importance of using PCR and RFLP to screen polymorphic genetic markers. A disequilibrium coefficient is defined and log likelihood methods are used to estimate it. Heterozygosity is defined in terms of allelic frequencies and estimated statistically. The author also details the use of Monte Carlo simulation to screen polymorphic markers.

In chapter 6, the author uses goodness of fit, likelihood ratio tests, and recombination fraction estimation to perform two-locus linkage analysis. Newton-Rhapson methods are used to solve the (non-linear) likelihood equations for obtaining maximum likelihood estimates. The author answers the question as to how large the sample size should be for detecting linkage, with the expected log likelihood ratio test statistic being the tool for the determination of this. This analysis is generalized to the more difficult case of natural populations in chapter 7. Linkage disequilibrium is then used in chapter 8 to also study two-locus models. The transmission/disequilibrium test and other tests are discussed in the light of finding markers linked to disease genes.

Linkage groups, defined as groups of loci inherited together according to statistical criteria, are studied in chapter 9. Locus ordering is considered and studied as a case, interestingly, of the traveling salesman problem, and some algorithms are proposed for its solution, such as seriation, simulated annealing, and branch-and-bound. But likelihood and bootstrap approaches are also discussed.

Multi-locus models and the important concept of map distance are considered in chapter 10. This chapter is the most interesting and helpful in the book, for it discusses in detail the relationship between multi-point map distance and physical distance. Morgan's, Haldane's, Kosambi's, and other map functions are discussed. Also, and most importantly, the quality of a genomic map is quantified, using the confidence of estimated locus order and locus distribution on the map.

The pooling or merging of linkage maps are considered in chapter 11, followed by the study of QTLs in chapter 12. Regression techniques are used for single-marker analysis and interval mappings are used to locate QTLs. QTL mappings for natural populations are discussed and the author considers the "statistical power" of QTL detection experiments. The question as to what QTLs really are is addressed, particularly the role of molecular biology and genomic mapping, and the limitations of QTL mapping. The author ends his discussion of QTLs by asking what would be the best approach for modeling a quantitative trait. A brief discussion of computer methods ends the book.

After finishing the book and noting the explosive influence of molecular biology, it is natural to ask: Will statistical methods in genomics fade away and be replaced by deterministic methods based on molecular and metabolic models?

One of the best books in Molecular Quantitative Genetics
The book discuses quantitative and population genetics on the bases of molecular level. It is very useful for genetic analysis across many disciplines, including plant and animal breeding, and human genetics. It provides useful explanations of some complex biometrical concepts.

A spetacular book
That is one of the big book in this area. That book is spetacular and very simple to understand. ... Read more

Book Description

The ability of double stranded RNA to inhibit the expression of genes with an appropriate sequence can be harnessed to silence target genes in vitro in a new and powerful way. This volume combines reliable RNAi protocols for a variety of species with discussion of strategies for the effective design of experiments using this important new technique that is changing the way experimental science is done. ... Read more

Book Description

The definitive reference work on prenatal diagnosis, Genetic Disorders and the Fetus is now available in a completely revised and updated fifth edition reflecting the most current advances in research, technology, and clinical care.

Written by an international team of experts, the volume provides in-depth critical analysis of the latest work in prenatal diagnosis of genetic and other disorders. Topics include: fragile X syndrome, cystic fibrosis, neural tube defects, and hemoglobinopathies; the experience and techniques of amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, ultrasound, fetal blood sampling; abortion and fetal therapy; and medicolegal and ethical issues in prenatal diagnosis. The book describes the use of combined biochemical markers to screen for neural tube and chromosomal defects, presents the latest developments relating to testing fetal cells in the mother's blood, and reviews major advances in molecular genetics that permit prenatal carrier detection and presymptomatic and predictive testing.

Much has changed since the publication of the fourth edition. The new technologies of fetal MRI, 3-D ultrasound, and real time PCR of fetal DNA in maternal circulation yield crucial information. While, integrated screening of data from the first and second trimesters coupled with ultrasound now produces a 94 percent detection rate. ... Read more

Book Description

Scientists conducting human genome research are identifying genetic disorders and traits at an accelerating rate. Genetic factors in human behavior appear particularly complex and slow to emerge, yet are raising their own set of difficult ethical, legal, and social issues. In Behavioral Genetics: The Clash of Culture and Biology, Ronald Carson and Mark Rothstein bring together well-known experts from the fields of genetics, ethics, neuroscience, psychiatry, sociology, and law to address the cultural, legal, and biological underpinnings of behavioral genetics. The authors discuss a broad range of topics, including the ethical questions arising from gene therapy and screening, molecular research in psychiatry, and the legal ramifications and social consequences of behavioral genetic information. Throughout, they focus on two basic concerns: the quality of the science behind behavioral genetic claims and the need to formulate an appropriate, ethically defensible response when the science turns out to be good. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Clash: Biology Calling
This book provides a very useful introduction to key debates in and about behavioral genetics. A nice range of topics and perspectives is provided, many by leaders in the fields of biology, psychology, sociology, ethics, etc. Several articles (such as those by tobin, duster, and carson) are extremely insightful and informative, and purchase of the book is worthwhile for the articles alone.

(If only it were in paperback!)

But, like many edited volumes that cover "hot" topics, this book suffers from a lack of coherence. As noted by the professional reviewer, one must wonder to what "clash" the editors refer - even when contained in the same volume, authors of different perspectives seem to talk past each other rather than "clash," and the editors don't really put the debates in a perspective that illuminates the perceived relationship between the two constructs of biology and culture. Indeed, the book jacket reveals the focus to be quite different than advertised: "Throughout, [the authors] focus on two basic concerns: the quality of the science behind behavioral genetic claims and the need to formulate an appropriate, ethically defensible response when the science turns out to be good." While this is certainly a worthwhile topic, it is not nearly as intellectually challenging or interesting as the title promises. Nevertheless, some selections deliver. ... Read more

Book Description

Human Molecular Genetics 2 Tom Strachan & Andrew P. Read "truly a Rolls Royce amongst textbooks" — Molecular Medicine Today "the best text to introduce students and scientists to the molecular aspects of human genetics" — Trends in Genetics "a beautifully crafted book" — Journal of Medical Genetics "addresses the gap between introductory textbooks and the primary literature. There’s no other textbook quite like it." — Nature Now extensively rewritten and updated, HMG2 guides students and researchers through the very latest developments in the most rapidly changing area of life science. The highly regarded structure of the bestselling first edition is retained, but a wealth of new data and features have been added to aid understanding of the principles of human molecular genetics:

• new material on cell types and the cell cycle, signal transduction, DNA mutation repair, and comparative genomics and evolution
• new material on recent advances in the study of gene expression and function, including the use of DNA microarrays
• the latest Genome Project data including an assessment of the impact of complete genome sequences and new approaches in functional genomics
• expanded coverage of common disease susceptibility
• new section on how best to obtain the latest data from web-based resources
• a range of new figures, with many more in full color
• the early use of hierarchical figures and flow charts to introduce principles described fully in later chapters
• new two-column layout to improve clarity further
• references systematically updated

Reviews (6)

The book to read for an in-depth background
This book is a very complete overview of molecular biology as applied to human genetics. As someone interested in bioinformatics and computational biology, I read it to get a background in the biology/genetics behind these fields. That being said, I was glad I made the choice of this book as the authors do a fine job of explaining the relevant concepts and biological processes in genetics. In the light of the recent draft of the human genome, this edition of the book is especially timely. That being said, there is a lot of material covered, and to digest all of the terms and processes outlined takes a fair amount of time. The discussion on functional genomics and the post-genome sequencing era was particularly interesting. More could be said on gene sequencing validation as it applies to gene therapies and drug discovery. The most fascinating chapter was the one on genetic manipulation of animals as this is where genetic engineering has had its successful proving ground. Even though this is a science text, a discussion on the ethics of human genetic engineering would be appropriate, given some of the current attitudes about it. My opinion is that these technologies should move ahead with diligence; humankind cannot afford not to do so.

I would highly recommend this book to those who have the time to read through it, as it offers the necessary concepts needed to understand this fascinating area.

This is a good book in studying human genetics
This is a good book in studying genetics referring human molecular genetics. I can examine myself with it.Whwn you finish reading Molecular biology of the CELL, you can understand genetics. So, this book and the book,Human Molecular genetics, are very helpful in studying genetics.

An excellent text! For undergrad and grad students.
Very comprehensive reading. It sure gives the reader a thorough explanation of the concept. Each chapter provides clear, yet detailed illustrations. Further explanations are given on several key concepts by including "highlights" for a particular topic. Although this book tackles more general knowledge on human genetics, it sure is highly recommended to students or professionals starting to learn Human Genetics.

Excellent for the working student!
Being a graduate student in human genetics I was looking long and hard for a comprehensive text on how and why experiment are done in the lab, and the scientific basis for these experiments. This book is the closest one I have seen that accomplishes all these goals. It is a little light on the theoretical side of genetics (e.g. Mendelian etc); however, there are many other texts out there that can substitute for this flaw, but only a few that do what this one does. I recommend this book for students who are familiar with genetics but need to understand the practical side to it.

a good book, but...
This book is enough simple. Chapters regarding the POSITIONAL CLONING, the HYBRIDIZATION, the IMPRINTING and the GENETICAL MAPPAGE are really clear and they represent a big aid for students in the comprehension of these procedures which could be very difficult. But... chapters about GENETICAL DISEAES are too much treated than chapters regarding FORMAL GENETICS, moreover FISICAL MAPPAGE chapter is too detailled in pratical explanation, while the real mappege's concept is not focalized.To conclude a good book, but ... cheers ALESSIO & FEDERICO ... Read more

Book Description

The Human Genome: A User's Guide provides a concise discussion of contemporary and relevant topics in human genetics. It begins coverage of the fundamental concepts of genetics and heredity, then illustrates these concepts as they relate to the development of human sexual differentiation and sexuality. The book describes the role of the X and Y chromosomes, the role of hormone-controlled differential gene expression in sex determination, and the role of genetics in sexual orientation and sex-role development. The Human Genome discusses the interface between science and society, covering the basic intellectual processes that underlie genetic analysis and gene therapy. It also looks at the use of cloning techniques to search for genes responsible for such human disease states as cystic fibrosis, cancer, AIDS, and mental illness. Written in an inviting and engaging style, The Human Genome meets the interests and answers the questions of today's students.

Key Features:
* Offers a concise discussion of contemporary human genetics and relevant topics
* Accessible to the reader with no formal science background
* Reviews the fundamental principles that underlie genetic analysis, prenatal diagnosis, and gene therapy
* Makes use of the most up-to-date information on the genetic aspects of AIDS, sexual orientation, and gender research
* Includes a controversial discussion of gene therapy and the "old" and "new" eugenics
* Presents stories of real and fictional people, bringing the concepts of human inheritance "to life"
* Appropriate as supplemental or recommended reading for courses on human genetics and reproductive biology for majors as well as on genetics for non-majors or sexuality and human development for psychology students ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A Fantastic Reference!
Science touches the lives of more people today than ever before, and The Human Genome: A User's Guide serves as a simplified but complete compendium of human genetics to be used by scientists and nonscientists alike. Subjects are explained clearly and conversationally but without the loss of the all-important details and facts, making this book a highly interesting read.

Individual aspects of disorders covered
I had this text for a MCB 10 (genetics) course at UC Davis in California. I found the science part of it interesting and for the most part helpful. I think the authors really tried to keep the reader's interest, and make a subject that is not always thought of as fascinating a little more light and relevant. People may disagree about including anecdotes in a textbook, but I think the anecdotes, while they may have been out of place, made the book more readable for me. Also, I really admired the way the authors focused on the individual aspects of the disorders they mentioned. As a young woman with Turners Syndrome, I can say that it was very refreshing that for once we were not portrayed as genetic mutants, and that individual differences that occur in any disorder was pointed out. I think it's sad, looking down the reviews, that only the bad reviews were seen as helpful. I would hope that people will give this book a chance.

A great book for a genetics course
I enjoyed reading Dr. Hawley's book. I found it very interesting and useful in the study of genetics. A few of the chapters were very advanced and difficult to read and there were a few points that he could have elaborated on, but over all the book covered most of the important topics that are pertinant to a broad study of genetics.

Terrible...absolutely terrible!
I think this book is pure poppycock! I also think it is ridiculous that my personage is under question when I give an honest review of this so-called textbook. I cannot believe that someone would pay $ for this drivel. I learned more from watching The Learning Channel on your Yank cable TV. R. Scott Hawley's vision of the future of genetic engineering can be found in any number of horror movies from the 1950s. The anecdotal blather was mundane and out of place considering this is supposed to be an undergraduate level textbook. Again, if I could give this book less than 1 star, I would. Also, a duckbilled platypus is still NOT A MARSUPIAL!

Longing for a better book....
This book left me feeling empty inside. I would of loved to delve into the subject matter, but ended up feeling lost and alone. Yah, sure I can tell you that there is a gene called TDF that is important in determining male sexual development, but the book doesn't go very far into the cellular and biochemical mechanisms that I was so desperately desiring from this book. Monotreme, Monotreme, where for art thou, Monotreme? ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Too many mistakes!
I can not believe that One can make so many mistakes for such a 400 pages book. On page 12, there are 2 major mistakes which will lead anyone who is not an expert in this area to hell.

THE book.
This is THE book on the subject. The bible of the field by a master. ... Read more

Book Description

With the explosion of new information from the Human Genome Project and new disease genes being identified at an extraordinary rate by laboratories around the world, the need for a scientifically sound and pedagogically refined text in Human Molecular Genetics has grown. This new text offers students and readers an extensive, up-to-date treatment of the genetic principles and fundamental molecular mechanisms that govern human inherited diseases. More than a catalogue of disease-related genes, this new text explains the interaction of genes and their products; the consequences of these mechanisms on disease states in major organ systems such as muscle, the nervous system, and the eyes; and cancer and mitochondrial disorders.

Praised by numerous reviewers for its timeliness and accuracy, An Introduction to Human Molecular Genetics is an ideal text for advanced undergraduate, early graduate, and basic medical school courses in human genetics. The book's lucid style and compelling coverage make it essential reading for all those who seek a better understanding of the fast moving field of Human Molecular Genetics.

From the Pre-publication Reviews
"A very well written and highly-detailed treatment of a very important area in genetics. It is very different from the traditional human genetics text, which is part of its appeal. The organization is prefect. The basic science chapters are gems, and the transition to inherited diseases of selected systems provides excellent flexibility. It would be easy to teach a course to advanced undergraduate, beginning graduate, and/or medical students using this new text." —Edward M. Berger, Dartmouth College

"I found it impressive how up-to-date the material is. It is current and at the right level for medical students, advanced undergraduates, and beginning graduate students." —John Hardy, Mayo Clinic

"Chapter one was beautifully written and quite informative. Chapter eight provides a really nice overview of the muscular dystrophies." —Louis Kunkel, Harvard Medical School, Howard Hughes Medical Institute ... Read more

Book Description

DNA sequencing techniques have evolved rapidly in recent years — largely resulting from the Human Genome Project — but scientists still encounter challenges in sequencing genomes. DNA Sequencing:Optimizing the Process and Analysis was written to help troubleshoot these difficulties while also providing a practical guide for those routinely sequencing DNA to refine and enhance their operation. This in-depth new volume covers important topics in the field, including: biochemical and technological advances induced by the Human Genome Project; proven and newly emerging methods of preparing DNA templates; effects of some widely used laboratory reagents on DNA sequencing; Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS); and the future of DNA sequencing. ... Read more

Book Description

The Essential Genetics Primer! This unique text explains the basics of the human genome: what it is, what it does, and its implications in health and disease. In seven clear and concise "Lectures," Dr. McConkey conveys the essentials of what we know about genes and gene expression, how mutations lead to simple and complex disorders, and how the rapid advance in our understanding of the human genome is impacting the practice of medicine.

How the Human Genome Works will be useful for people in the health sciences at all levels, from students to established professionals, who want to update their knowledge about human genetics without making a major time commitment. This brief book, which can be read in a few sittings, will provide you with a broad basic understanding of this complex topic. It is the ideal text for science, medical, and nursing students, practicing physicians and nurses, and all others who need a readable overview of human genetics. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent scientific instructional
How The Human Genome Works by Edwin H. McConkey (Professor Emeritus, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado) is a basic and introductory genetics primer especially written for students of the health sciences. It is a meticulously accurate survey of the natural history of the human genome, including mechanisms of mutation, genetic diseases, the role of the genome in medical practice, and so much more, which will prove fascinating and accessible to non-specialist general readers with an interest in human genetics as well. An excellent scientific instructional, explicit in its point-by-point detail, How The Human Genome Works is a superb introduction to one of the most inherently fascinating and quickly evolving of the biological sciences today. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Not all good...
I agree with some of the comments of the other reviewers: the book seems comprehensive and is very attractively laid out. However I am attempting to read the book on my own, not as the textbook to a course, and I am finding that it is quite badly organized. For instance, the first chapter rushes through a whole lot of stuff which is presumably covered in more detail later in the book, but they don't really tell you that, nor do they simplify it as they should if it's just an overview. In later chapters, several terms are used without being defined, and often it's impossible to tell what's going on in the figures from the captions and the text. I can imagine the book being good if you're taking a genetics course, but if you're just trying to read it and teach yourself, be prepared to be often confused...

Excellent genetics textbook and reference
I've used this book quite extensively in my introductory Genetics class, and I'm sure I'll be using it often as a reference in the future. It is superbly written, with clear explanations of the material.

There are many, many diagrams and photographs which help to solidify understanding, and they are all in full color. It is organized very well, although this organization has changed from edition to edition and any teacher or student using it in their courses should be aware that chapters and problems in this newer version do not always coincide with those in previous editions. The questions are excellent as well, although purchasing the solutions manual is a wise idea (it is also very well done, with long, detailed explanations of the answers to the problems).

Overall, of the 3 or 4 genetics textbooks I've looked at, this is by far the best one. In fact, it's one of the best textbooks I've ever used for any class. This one's a keeper.

Superb
I work in a Mammalian Genetics lab, I have referenced this book numerous times and I have only had it a little over a month. It is those little things we forget, but now that information is at my fingertips. Excellent, would recommend it to anyone in the field.

Great Textbook of genetics
I used this Genetics textbook of Griffiths et.al when I was an undergraduate student at University of Michigan. The best part that I got from this book was its excellent problem sets given at the end of each chapter. Having taken several courses of Genetics, I believe that the best way to master this class is to practice as many problems as we can. This book is therefore a good start of a long road. Another strong part of this text is its clear and beautiful pictures. The authors may not use many words to explain the concepts but the pictures they show is spectacular. The organization is up-dated to balance between classical and molecular genetics. This book might be a bit expensive. yet it is worth having it if you plan to work in this field.

I don't know HOW they keep DOING it!
I have kept up with all of the editions of 'An Introduction to Genetic Analysis' since the first (a thin, red textbook that covered the bare basics of gene mutations and chromosome mechanics), and found every single one of them to be absolutely outstanding! I would recommend this as an introductory genetics textbook for every university that teaches basic genetics. There is enough material in this book to allow individual instructors to pick and choose which chapters and which subjects they would like to cover, without having to sacrafice anything. If you buy this book you have it all. It has chapters on basic genetics, chromosome mechanics, human genetic diseases, population genetics, genetic engineering, forensics, molecular biology, and biotechnology. No subject is neglected. It is well written, highly lucid, and VERY pleasing to the eye (with beautiful photographs and illustrations). Every chapter includes a problem solving section with solved problems. Therefore the instructor has the option of teaching either a conceptual course or a more problem oriented course. Problems range in difficulty from the trivial to the impossible. (Well, at least to the 'full pot of coffee and a bottle of asparin' level of difficulty.) These problems also represent a valuable resource from which examiners could potentially derive exam questions.) One can't say too many good things about these books. If the more recent editions are not available, but you have access to the earlier editions, I would still recommend using them. The basic material is so well dealt with that the older editions are still useful. Greg Doheny (Vancouver B.C.) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

place to start to learn pop gen
This is a wonderfully clear and concise introduction to population genetics. The emphasis is on fundamental insights gleaned from relatively simple models. If you want to learn something about this approach to studying evolution, start here.

Simply superb...
Many authors make population genetics a boring, and often a formidable discipline in Biology. Therefore, many students avoid taking population genetics, inspite of its central importance in understanding many biological processes. John Gillespie has intertwined theory with superb experimental data. He has made population genetics accessable by all biologists, and even enjoyable, which is an incredible achievement. Besides, his writing style is rare among science writers. His style is comparable to the other great stylist among geneticists, Professor James F. Crow. ... Read more