Genes : a very short introduction / Jonathan Slack.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Slack, Jonathan, author.

Series:

Very short introductions ; 399.

Very short introductions ; 399

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Genes.

Physical Description:

xxii, 145 pages : illustrations ; 18 cm

Edition:

Second edition.

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : Oxford University Press, 2023.

Summary:

"In this very short introduction to the gene, Jonathan Slack explores the discovery, nature, and role of genes in evolution and development. Looking at how genes are understood as a concept, the nature of genetic variation, and how their mutation can lead to disease, this is an ideal guide for anyone curious about what genes are and how they work. Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring 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. By 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 be 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. This second edition has been fully updated and contains new sections on the CRISPR method for targeted genetic modification, on DNA profiling, and developments in our understanding of human ancestry using ancient DNA"--Publisher's description.

Contents:

Genes before 1944

Genes as DNA

Mutations and gene variants

Genes as markers

Genes of small effect

Genes in evolution

Conclusion: the varied concepts of the gene.

Notes:

Revised edition of: Genes / Jonathan Slack. First edition. 2014.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 139-141) and index.

ISBN:

9780192856708

0192856707

OCLC:

1378762400