The Thread of Life: The Story of Genes and Genetic Engineering

by Susan Aldridge

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 Aldridge has written with a light touch full of historical references; her achievement will make rewarding reading for anyone who reads popular accounts of the life sciences.

Genres: Science

272 pages, Hardcover

First published March 21, 1996

Reviews

[Katia N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a few books about the biological basis of genetics, but this was the best for me. I've finally understood all the mechanics behind the concepts. It is a fantastic primer for anyone who are interested to understand the basics of molecular biology and genetics. The book is relatively old, so i suspect there is a lot of new information about genetic engineering and genome. But it was priceless in helping me to deal with molecular structures, replication, translation and other related processes.

I would recommend it to anyone who are interested in the biology and chemistry of genetics but never studied the subject professionally and bored with the accounts purely based on the history of the subject.

[Matthew Laird · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit out of date now, but still an enjoyable read.

[Laura Walin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vaikea arvostella tätä kirjaa, kun nämä geeniasiat olivat keskeinen osa maisterintutkintoa ja niistä on tullut luettua ei-popularisoidussa muodossa satoja, jos ei tuhansia sivuja. Itselleni kirja toimi mukavana muistutuksena geenien rakenteesta ja toiminnasta, mutta asiaan vihkiytymättömälle olisi saattanut olla hieman liian tiivis tietopaketti. Itseäni vaivasi se, että geeni- ja bioteknologian mahdolliset eettiset ongelmat sivuutettiin hyvin kevyesti.