DNA: A Graphic Guide to the Molecule that Shook the World

Writers & Readers Documentary Comic Book #12

by Israel Rosenfield, Edward Ziff, Borin Van Loon

With humor, depth, and philosophical and historical insight, DNA reaches out to a wide range of readers with its graphic portrayal of a complicated science. Suitable for use in and out of the classroom, this volume covers DNA's many marvels, from its original discovery in 1869 to early-twentieth-century debates on the mechanisms of inheritance and the deeper nature of life's evolution and variety.

Even readers who lack a background in science and philosophy will learn a tremendous amount from this engaging narrative. The book elucidates DNA's relationship to health and the cause and cure of disease. It also covers the creation of new life forms, nanomachines, and perspectives on crime detection, and considers the philosophical sources of classical Darwinian theory and recent, radical changes in the understanding of evolution itself. Already these developments have profoundly affected our notions about living things. Borin Van Loon's humorous illustrations recount the contributions of Gregor Mendel, Frederick Griffith, James Watson, and Francis Crick, among other biologists, scientists, and researchers, and vividly depict the modern controversies surrounding the Human Genome Project and cloning.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Biology

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Ananya · Rating 2 out of 5]

ive never read a book that's simultaneously so unhinged and boring at the same time.

[Stella Cox]

DNA: A Graphic Guide starts with the background of how scientists first started looking at cells. It goes over Darwin's experiments and conclusions. This book defines scientific terms like phenotype. DNA's structure and function are described.

I think this a really good book for kids interested in science. It makes it fun because the pictures are big. It has a lot of good facts without being overwhelming.

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting a high-level, low-content book about DNA. But this is actually quite detailed and does not talk down to the reader. After a brief introduction to the history of genetics the book dives right in to the chemistry of amino acids, nucleic acids, RNA, RNA polymerase, and (naturally) DNA. All very engaging and informative.

[Aleah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book paraphrased essential need-to-know biology terms in much easier terms than my $200 college textbook! I seriously recommend this book to everyone but with an added emphasis towards other visual learners, like myself.

[Gregor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, except for some specific terms left in the clouds. What about references?, I don't know where they got all the information regarding biological properties of DNA...