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The Secret Life of Genes: Decoding the Blueprint of Life
An illustrated introduction to genetics.
The Secret Life of Genes is the story of genetic science and how it makes each of us unique. It spans the discovery of the gene and the all-encompassing role it plays in biology: from controlling the inner workings of cells and the development of embryos, through patterns of inheritance, to the evolution of new forms of life. From there developed the vast and boundless field of genetic science and research.
Readers will get a sneak peek into the Human Genome Project, the international scientific research project with the goal of determining the sequence of nucleotide base pairs that make up human DNA. From this, scientists identified and mapped all of the genes of the human genome from both a physical and a functional standpoint, and opened a Pandora's box of secrets: the hidden workings of the human genome; how gene switching, junk DNA, and genetic mutation might be affecting our everyday lives; and why patents are soaring for genetic inventions.
The Secret Life of Genes is written in accessible language and organized for easy comprehension. It opens with the basics and the key theories, goes on to describe DNA sequencing and what we can do with it. It then looks at the history of the world's DNA and gives readers an exciting glimpse of the future of the field.
The Secret Life of Genes is the story of genetic science and how it makes each of us unique. It spans the discovery of the gene and the all-encompassing role it plays in biology: from controlling the inner workings of cells and the development of embryos, through patterns of inheritance, to the evolution of new forms of life. From there developed the vast and boundless field of genetic science and research.
Readers will get a sneak peek into the Human Genome Project, the international scientific research project with the goal of determining the sequence of nucleotide base pairs that make up human DNA. From this, scientists identified and mapped all of the genes of the human genome from both a physical and a functional standpoint, and opened a Pandora's box of secrets: the hidden workings of the human genome; how gene switching, junk DNA, and genetic mutation might be affecting our everyday lives; and why patents are soaring for genetic inventions.
The Secret Life of Genes is written in accessible language and organized for easy comprehension. It opens with the basics and the key theories, goes on to describe DNA sequencing and what we can do with it. It then looks at the history of the world's DNA and gives readers an exciting glimpse of the future of the field.
- GenresBiologyScienceNonfiction
192 pages, Paperback
Published March 29, 2019
3 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 20, 2021
For its purpose. It’s fine
July 4, 2024
An excellent and thorough look at the science of genes and genetics. A great read aloud with my middle son as part of his science curriculum over this year and next year.
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December 3, 2024read for a book report..very informative and broad. loved the illustrations tbh
April 6, 2025
A really good book, I'd recommend it for children and teenagers interested in genetics. It covers basic concepts well and I'd read it when I'm older again!
August 4, 2020
With my basic biology class knowledge from high school, this book educates me on genes from its purpose, coding, variation, mutation and evolution ... leading to human's path in understanding and now trying to manipulate it. The diagrams through out the book help in the visual perspective in addition to the text descriptions. With the knowledge acquired in this book, I can move on to read other books about DNA with more details.
January 28, 2020
This book is excellent for those who love genetics and chemistry! It explains all the intricate topics that are taught in higher level biology classes. Some of the subtopics that this mini textbook covers includes, DNA replication, Amino acids, DNA structure and biochemical properties, how genes interact to form a living organism and much more.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews