Genetics : from DNA to designer dogs

Format:

Book

Title:

Genetics : from DNA to designer dogs

Other title(s):

From DNA to designer dogs

Author:

Simpson, Kathleen, active 2008-2009.

ISBN:

9781426303272

9781426303616

Publication Information:

Washington, D.C. : National Geographic, 2008.

Physical Description:

64 pages : illustrations (chiefly color), 1 color map ; 26 cm

Series title(s):

National Geographic investigates.

Contents:

Message from the consultant -- Mendel, the father of modern genetics -- Timeline of genetic research. Ancient DNA : Royal genes -- Pharaoh gone missing -- Historic discoveries -- Mysterious mummy is found -- Family tree, written in DNA -- Problems with ancient DNA -- Genetic science reveals the future as well as the past. Genetic science : Green pollution fighters -- Rabbit genes in trees -- Slow cleanup in the most polluted places -- Medium pizza with genetically modified canola oil -- Problem or a solution? Genes for long life : Very old worms -- Why is my hair brown? -- Switching genes on and off -- Inherited traits -- Two points of view. Fighting for wildlife : Mysterious animal on the loose in Montana -- Gathering gorilla DNA -- Extracting DNA -- New weapons -- Meet a DNA investigator. Microbial DNA : Why is microbial DNA important? -- Map of microbial DNA -- Scooping up life in the Sargasso Sea -- Human genome project -- Microbial genome project. Genetics and cloning : Ditteaux, the African wildcat -- How does cloning work? -- Cloning history -- Problems of diversity -- Why stop with African wildcats? -- Growing a human heart -- Years ahead.

Summary:

Authoritative texts that include interviews with experts, useful time lines, diagrams, glossaries, and more bring readers up to date on the latest findings of specific scientific issues and discoveries in the field of genetics, from the Human Genome Project to stem cell research to the National Geographic's own Genographic Project.

Program Information:

Accelerated Reader Grades 5-8 8.2 2 Quiz 129583 English non-fiction.

Subject(s):

Genetics -- Juvenile literature.

Genre:

Added Author:

Holds:

Available:*

Library	Call Number	Status
Searching... Silver Falls Library	JNF 576.5 SIMPSON	Searching... Unknown

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Summary

Ever since scientists first cloned Dolly, genetics has been a hot-button topic in the media and the political world. Genetics brings readers the inside story, and looks objectively at this fascinating modern science. From the Human Genome Project to stem cell research to the National Geographic's own Genographic Project, scientists are exploring and rapidly advancing our knowledge of the human condition.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Author Notes

Kathleen Simpson lives in the hill country of central Texas with her husband and dogs. She has authored numerous works for young people, including the National Geographic Investigates books Extreme Weather: Science Tackles Global Warming and Climate Change, Genetics: From DNA to Designer Dogs, and The Human Brain: Inside Your Body's Control Room.

Reviews (1)

Booklist Review

Despite the odd choice of a placid sheep gracing the cover of this entry in the National Geographic Investigates series, the content is fairly exciting and should grab the attention of its target audience. Simpson begins with an ancient mystery: an Egyptian mummy is found who may or may not be the long-missing pharaoh Hatshepsut, but only DNA testing can prove if she was related to other Egyptian royalty. These archaeological adventures are paired with the less visceral (but every bit as important) study of the heredity of pea plants done by Gregor Mendel in the 1800s. The photographs throughout are of high quality and match the unique angles taken by each chapter: plant genetics are seen through the prism of the Chernobyl explosion; long-life genes are discussed by asking the reader to examine different parts of their body in the mirror; and genetic duplication is broached by introducing Ditteaux, a clone who is the hope of the endangered African wildcat. An engaging look at a complex topic.--Kraus, Daniel Copyright 2009 Booklist