Written to communicate sound and modern science in an accessible way for professionals and students with various levels of scientific background, this thoroughly revised edition of The Human Genome contributes to creating a genetically literate research and clinical population.

Table of Contents

• Acknowledgments
• Prologue: The Answer in a Nutshell
• Section I How Genes Specify A Trait
• The Basics of Heredity: How Traits Are Passed Along in Families
• The Double Helix: How Cells Preserve Genetic Information
• Section II How Genes Function
• The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology: How Cells Orchestrate the Use of Genetic Information
• The Genetic Code: How the Cell Makes Proteins from Genetic Information Encoded in mRNA Molecules
• We Are All Mutants: How Mutation Alters Function
• Section III How Chromosomes Move
• Mitosis and Meiosis: How Cells Move Your Genes Around
• The Odd Couple: How the X and Y Chromosomes Break the Rules
• Section IV How Genes Contribute to Complex Traits
• Sex Determination: How Genes Determine a Developmental Choice
• Complexity: How Traits Can Result from Combinations of Factors
• The Multiple-Hit Hypothesis: How Genes Play a Role in Cancer
• Section V How Genes Are Found
• The Gene Hunt: How Genetic Maps Are Built and Used
• The Human Genome: How the Sequence Enables Genome-wide Studies
• Section VI How Genes Play a Role in Testing and Treatment
• Genetic Testing and Screening: How Genotyping Can Offer Important Insights
• Magic Bullets: How Gene-based Therapies Personalize Medicine
• Fears, Faith, and Fantasies: How the Past and Present Shape the Future of Genomic Medicine
• Answers to Study Questions
• Glossary