50 Genetics Ideas You Really Need to Know

Mark Henderson is Science Editor of The Times. He takes a particular interest in genetics and reproductive medicine, including IVF, PGD and Stem Cell Research. He lives in London.

Introduction. Classical Genetics: The theory of evolution; The laws of inheritance; Genes and chromosomes; The genetics of evolution; Mutation; Sex. Molecular Biology: Genes, proteins and DNA; The double helix; Cracking the code of life; Genetic engineering. The Genome: Reading the genome; The human genome; Lessons of the genome. Nature and Nurture: Genetic determinism; Selfish genes; The blank slate; Nature via nurture. Genes and Disease: Genetic diseases; Gene hunting; Cancer; Superbugs. Sex, History and Behaviour: Behavioural genetics; Intelligence; Race; Genetic history; Genetic genealogy; Sex genes; The end of men?; The battle of the sexes; Homosexuality. Genetic Technologies: Genetic fingerprinting; GM crops; GM animals; Evo-devo; Stem cells; Cloning; Cloning people; Gene therapy; Genetic testing; Tailor-made medicines; Designer babies; Brave new worlds; Genes and insurance; Gene patenting. The New Genetics: Junk DNA; Copy number variation; Epigenetics; The RNA revolution; Artificial life; No such thing as normal. Glossary. Index.