Human Genetics: The Basics The Basics

Human genetics has blossomed from an obscure biological science and explanation for rare disorders to a field that is profoundly altering health care for everyone. This thoroughly updated new edition of Human Genetics: The Basics provides a concise background of gene structure and function through the lens of real examples, from families living with inherited diseases to population-wide efforts in which millions of average people are learning about their genetic selves. The book raises compelling issues concerning: • The role of genes in maintaining health and explaining sickness • Genetic testing, gene therapy, and genome editing • The common ancestry of all humanity and how we are affecting our future. Written in an engaging, narrative manner, this concise introduction is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to know more about genes, DNA, genomes, and the genetic ties that bind us all.

List of Figures & Tables Acknowledgements Abbreviations Chapter 1. From Mendel’s Peas to Double Helices From Genes to Genomes Agriculture is Applied Genetics Mendel’s Experiments —The Mystery of the Missing Traits The Chromosome Connection In Pursuit of the Genetic Material Chapter 2. How Genes Work A Brief History of CF Mikayla’s Story The Individual Level: Tissues and Organs The Family Level The Population Chapter 3. Genes and Health A Genomic View of Health Causes of Death – An Organizing Framework Cancer: The Cell Cycle Out of Control The Microbiome and Infectious Disease Chapter 4. Genetic Testing The First Generation of Genetic Tests: Proteins The Second Generation of Genetic Tests: DNA The Third Generation of Genetic Tests: Exomes and Genomes Chapter 5. Gene Therapy and Genome Editing Protein Therapy Came First Gene Therapy Gene and Genome Editing Chapter 6. From Ancestry to Destiny DNA as Clock and Compass The First Hominins DNA Evidence Overlaps Fossil Evidence Expansion Out of Africa From Archaic Humans to Modern Humans Into Europe Genetic Genealogy and Ancestry Testing The Future: Will Humanity Homogenize or Diverge? Glossary Bibliography Index

Ricki Lewis is Adjunct Professor of Medical Education at Alden March Bioethics Institute, Albany Medical Center, US. She has a PhD in Genetics, writes the DNA Science blog at the Public Library of Science, is a genetic counsellor, and is the author of several popular titles.