Genes and DNA

Charlotte K. Omoto is professor of cell biology and genetics in the School of Biological Sciences at Washington State University. Paul F. Lurquin is professor of genetics in the School of Molecular Biosciences at Washington State University. He is the author of The Green Phoenix: A History of Genetically Modified Plants; High Tech Harvest: Understanding Genetically Modified Food Plants; and Origins of Life and the Universe.

Preface: Why Is Genetics Important? 1. What Are Genes? Try This at Home: Extract DNA from Vegetables in Your Kitchen 2. Inheritance of Single-Gene Traits 3. Mendelian Traits in Humans Try This at Home: Pedigree Game 4. From Genes to Phenotype Try This at Home: DNA Replication, Transcription, and Translation Game 5. Using Bacteria as Protein Factories 6. Genetically Modified Plants 7. When Things Go Wrong 8. Mutagens, Teratogens, and Human Reproduction 9. Linkage and Mapping: Gene Discovery Try This at Home: Independent Assortment of Chromosomes and the Making of a Unique Individual Try This at Home: Explore Genetics Databases 10. Genetics of Populations and Genetic Testing 11. Survival of the Fittest? Try This at Home: Demonstrations of the Effects of Small Population Size 12. Nature Versus Nurture 13. Genetically Modified Animals and the Applications of Gene Technology for Humans Appendix A. Internet Resources Appendix B. Glossary of Scientific Names of Organisms Appendix C. Glossary of Human Genetic Diseases Appendix D. Glossary of Terms