Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring
In this exploration of the concept of the gene, Jonathan Slack looks at the discovery, nature, and role of genes in both evolution and development. By explaining the nature of genetic variation in the human population, how hereditary factors were identified as molecules of DNA, and how certain specific mutations can lead to disease, Slack highlights how DNA variants are used to trace human ancestry and migration, and can also be used by forensic scientists to identify individuals in crime. He also explores issues such as the role of genetic heritability and IQ as well as the changes that occur in the genes of populations during evolution.
An ideal guide for anyone curious about what genes are and how genetics can be put to use, this Very Short Introduction demonstrates the ways in which the gene concept has been understood and used by molecular biologists, population biologists, and social scientists around the world. This second edition has been fully updated and contains new sections on the CRISPR method for targeted genetic modification, on DNA profiling, and developments in our understanding of human ancestry using ancient DNA.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Author(s): Jonathan Slack
Series: Very Short Introductions
Edition: 2
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 176
City: Oxford
Cover
Genes: A Very Short Introduction
Copyright
Comments on the first edition
Contents
Preface
List of illustrations
Chapter 1: Genes before 1944
Biology of heredity
The 20th century
DNA
The chemical nature of the gene
Chapter 2: Genes as DNA
The double helix
What is a gene?
DNA during cell division
Genomics
How genes make animals
DNA methylation
Implications of understanding development
The human genome
Genetic modification
Chapter 3: Mutations and gene variants
Mutations
Gene variants in populations
Cystic fibrosis
Haemophilia
Achondroplasia
Features of genetic disease
Genetic predisposition and cancer
More complex genetic variation
Chapter 4: Genes as markers
Forensic identification
Forensic phenotyping
Ancestry and migration
Mitochondrial DNA
Y chromosome
Geographical history of humanity
Race
Genetic ancestry testing
Ancient DNA
Meet the Denisovans
Chapter 5: Genes of small effect
Heritability
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
Human height
Mental illness
The ‘gay gene’
IQ
Group differences in IQ
Prediction of risks or qualities from DNA
Chapter 6: Genes in evolution
Neutral evolution
Classification of organisms
Implications of natural selection
Problematic types of selection
Sex
Altruism
Universal characters ascribed to ‘genes’
Conclusion: the varied concepts of the gene
Glossary
Further reading
Index
Forensic Science: A Very Short Introduction
Autism: A Very Short Introduction
Cancer: A Very Short Introduction
The History of Medicine: A Very Short Introduction
Science and Religion: A Very Short Introduction
Scientific Revolution: A Very Short Introduction
EPIDEMIOLOGY: A Very Short Introduction
Relativity: A Very Short Introduction
The Laws of Thermodynamics: A Very Short Introduction
