Descripciones mejoradas de Syndetics:

This is a study of genetic mapping. The first six chapters address "molecular biology in a historical framework. . . . Mapping and various kinds ofmaps (genetic, physical, sequence) are discussed. . . . (Genetic disease), diagnosis, and therapy, constitute Chapter 8. Chapter 9 outlines the evolution of the sequencing plan as it grew out of a series of conferences. . . . Chapter 10 reviews the questions involving science policy and allocation of available funds among various sectors of the biomedical research establishment. Chapter 11 covers the relationship of genome sequencing to disease, ethical issues,and social implications of genomic knowledge (medical care, employment, and insurance issues)." (Choice)

Tabla de contenidos provista por Syndetics

• Acknowledgments(p. v)
• 1 The Journey Begins(p. 1)
• 2 The First Synthesis(p. 21)
• 3 Flowers, Flies, Molds, and Microbes(p. 47)
• 4 Dna: Models and Meaning(p. 73)
• 5 Sticky Ends and a New Creation(p. 103)
• 6 Send in the Clones(p. 123)
• 7 Maps and Markers(p. 149)
• 8 Disease, Diagnosis, and Therapy(p. 183)
• 9 The Plan: Promises and Problems(p. 209)
• 10 Big Science, Bad Science?(p. 235)
• 11 Genes and Judgments(p. 259)
• Epilogue(p. 299)
• Further Reading(p. 303)
• Glossary(p. 307)
• Index(p. 313)

Reseñas proporcionadas por Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

Lee, professor of biology at St. Anselm University in N.H., here plays moderator in the clash between scientific values and the new genetics that is building around the human genome project. About three-quarters of this scientific brief on HGP is a review of the history of molecular biology; the book is akin to a rapid zoom through an electron microscope lens focused on our genes. At the end of this biology-text treatment lies the science oracle's dilemma: Given that biologists can now translate the genetic code into understandable terms and sometimes manipulate it, should they? Lee offers the general reader an outline of the science-policy stakes of HGP, noting that HGP is a protean issue, assuming the controversial character of health insurance policy, science ethics, etc. Those interested in following the development of HGP would do well to start with this earnest introduction. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

CHOICE Review

More than a discussion of the Human Genome Project (HGP); the first six chapters constitute a primer of basic molecular biology in a historical framework. The background material includes the origin of HGP; Darwin, Mendel, and fusion of Darwinism and Mendelism; neo-Mendelian genetics; one-gene one-enzyme; protein synthesis; information flow, and the work of luminaries of classic molecular biology. Also, restriction enzymes, plasmids, gene cloning, and various laboratory techniques are taken up in preparation for the five chapters involved directly with the HGP. Mapping and various kinds of maps (genetic, physical, sequence) are discussed, with the enzymatic, chemical, and fluorescent methods of sequencing considered in some detail. Genetic disease (with major and familiar examples explored), diagnosis, and therapy constitute Chapter 8. Chapter 9 outlines the evolution of the sequencing plan as it grew out of a series of conferences on detection of mutation in humans at the DNA level (1984) to Sinsheimer's 1985 Santa Cruz conference (the titular beginning of genome sequencing possibilities). Chapter 10 reviews the questions involving science policy and allocation of available funds among various sectors of the biomedical research establishment. Chapter 11 covers the relationship of genome sequencing to disease, ethical issues, and social implications of genomic knowledge (medical care, employment, and insurance issues). Epilogue and glossary. Several names of scientists are wrong or are misspelled. Accessible by community-college students and above.-T. A. Cole, Wabash College

Booklist Review

Will there soon be as many books on this topic as there are genes? Lee gives some history, explains what genes and DNA are and what they do, describes maps and markers, and then turns to an examination of the Human Genome Project: its plans, people, potential products, funding, and ethics. On the way, he gives Rosalind Franklin, the scientist who opened the way for Watson and Crick, a fair break, which is unusual enough to merit substantial praise. He also tells about various genetically caused diseases and the mechanisms and possibilities of gene therapy. Potential buyers will want to look also at Robert Shapiro's Human Blueprint [BKL S 1 91] and Wingerson's Mapping Our Genes [BKL Je 1 90]. Lee's final sentences put the whole subject in its proper context: "Knowledge and wisdom are distinct. The former will grow inexorably as we continue to gain control over DNA. Will the latter keep pace?" ~--William Beatty