Grade 9 Up–This revision of Life Lines: The Story of the New Genetics (Facts On File, 1999) introduces readers to the history of genetics, including Gregor Mendel's studies of plant cross-pollination, Thomas Hunt Morgan's research with fruit flies, and Watson and Crick's discovery of the structure of DNA, and continuing with Nobel Prize-winning research of the 1980s and earlier.

As in the first edition, many of the black-and-white photos are portraits of early genetic pioneers. Standard textbook explanations are offered for how DNA is replicated, how genes code for proteins, and how RNA serves in enzyme systems. The text discusses a few recent advances, such as the mapping of the human genome, cloning, and genetically modified crops and animals, but there are many gaps in coverage. The emphasis is largely on discoveries and developments of the 20th century rather than the 21st. For example, the authors discuss the promise of stem-cell science to repair body parts and cure diseases, but do not address the current political conundrums hampering future advances.

Download File Size:3.56 MB

---