The misunderstood gene / Michel Morange ; translated by Matthew Cobb.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Morange, Michel.

Standardized Title:

Part des gènes. English

Language:

English

French

Subjects (All):

Genes--Popular works.

Genes.

Molecular genetics--Popular works.

Molecular genetics.

Genre:

Popular works.

Physical Description:

ix, 222 pages ; 22 cm

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, MA : Harvard University Press, 2001.

Language Note:

Translated from the French.

Summary:

If molecular biologists had to designate one category of molecules as essential to life, it would be proteins, not DNA. Yet, seemingly every week, feature stories describe genes that may be responsible for personality, intelligence, even happiness.

In The Misunderstood Gene, Michel Morange points out that DNA and its genes are the centerpiece of modern biology primarily because they can be modified. But they are only the memory that life invented so that proteins can be efficiently reproduced. There is far more richness and meaning in the structure and interactions of proteins, he tells us, than in all the theoretical speculations on the role of genes.

In this tour of recent findings in molecular biology, Professor Morange shows us how genes contribute to biological processes and complex human behavior -- when they do. He makes it clear that we do not have to choose between rigid genetic determinism and fearful rejection of any specific role for genes in development or behavior. The Misunderstood Gene demystifies the power of modern genetics and refocuses biology on the many complex interactions that start with our genes, but do not necessarily end there. The sequencing of the human genome, now complete, is just the beginning of the story. This compact, accessible book will engage and enlighten all readers concerned about the promise and peril of genetic research.

Contents:

1. The Concept of the Gene 8

2. Can We Get Rid of the Gene Concept? 25

3. Investigating What Genes Really Do 42

4. Genes That Cause Diseases 48

5. Knockout Surprises 64

6. Molecules to Mind 83

7. Genes Controlling Life and Death 91

8. Genes Affecting Behavior 124

9. Whither Genetic Determinism? 153

10. Human Evolution and Eugenics 170.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [187]-213) and index.

ISBN:

0674003365

OCLC:

45230454