A plain-English guide to genetics Want to know more about genetics? This non-intimidating guide gets you up to speed on all the fundamentals and the most recent discoveries. Now with 25% new and revised material, Genetics For Dummies, 2nd Edition gives you clear and accessible coverage of this rapidly advancing field. From dominant and recessive inherited traits to the DNA double-helix, you get clear explanations in easy-to-understand terms. Plus, you"ll see how people are applying genetic science to fight disease, develop new products, solve crimes ...and even clone cats. Covers topics in a straightforward and effective manner Includes coverage of stem cell research, molecular genetics, behavioral genetics, genetic engineering, and more Explores ethical issues as they pertain to the study of genetics Whether you?re currently enrolled in a genetics course or are just looking for a refresher, Genetics For Dummies, 2nd Edition provides science lovers of all skill levels with easy-to-follow information on this fascinating subject.

Introduction 1 Part I: The Lowdown on Genetics: Just the Basics 7 Chapter 1: What Genetics Is and Why You Need to Know Some 9 Chapter 2: Basic Cell Biology 19 Chapter 3: Visualize Peas: Discovering the Laws of Inheritance 37 Chapter 4: Law Enforcement: Mendel"s Laws Applied to Complex Traits 51 Chapter 5: Differences Matter: The Genetics of Sex67 Part II: DNA: The Genetic Material 81 Chapter 6: DNA: The Basis of Life 83 Chapter 7: Replication: Copying Your DNA 99 Chapter 8: Sequencing Your DNA 117 Chapter 9: RNA: DNA"s Close Cousin 129 Chapter 10: Translating the Genetic Code 143 Chapter 11: Gene Expression: What a Cute Pair of Genes 157 Part III: Genetics and Your Health 171 Chapter 12: Genetic Counseling 173 Chapter 13: Mutation and Inherited Diseases: Things You Can"t Change 187 Chapter 14: Taking a Closer Look at the Genetics of Cancer 203 Chapter 15: Chromosome Disorders: It"s All a Numbers Game 221 Chapter 16: Treating Genetic Disorders with Gene Therapy 237 Part IV: Genetics and Your World 249 Chapter 17: Tracing Human History and the Future of the Planet 251 Chapter 18: Solving Mysteries Using DNA 265 Chapter 19: Genetic Makeovers: Fitting New Genes into Plants and Animals 283 Chapter 20: Cloning: You"re One of a Kind 299 Chapter 21: Giving Ethical Considerations Their Due313 Part V: The Part of Tens 323 Chapter 22: Ten Defi ning Events in Genetics 325 Chapter 23: Ten Hot Issues in Genetics 333 Chapter 24: Ten Hard-to-Believe Genetics Stories 341 Glossary 347 Index 351