The Human Genome Project: Cracking the Code Within Us (Impact Books)

Marshall, Elizabeth L.

ISBN 10: 0531112993 ISBN 13: 9780531112991

Publisher: Franklin Watts, 1996

Synopsis

Describes the ten-year, multimillion dollar Human Genome Project and its process of gene mapping; includes concerns of critics of the project.

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Reviews

Grade 10 Up. Marshall presents an overview of this incredible undertaking, currently midway into its 15-year quest to map and sequence all of the 50,000 to 100,000 human genes and to discover the function of every chromosome. The Project's history, governance, and structure are outlined in a way that yields a fair understanding of its purposes and accomplishments to date. The author describes how the independent work of thousands of scientists and technicians in small laboratories and large research complexes are kept on track, along with some of the major discoveries they have produced. These include pinpointing the genes responsible for cystic fibrosis, Huntington's disease, and certain types of mental retardation. Many diagrams and simple explanations reveal the functions of DNA and chromosomes. Techniques used by scientists to find genetic markers and to create physical and genetic linkage maps of chromosomes are simplified for understanding, yet are fundamentally accurate. Supplementary material includes a lengthy glossary, source notes, a list of (U.S.) government publications, and a highly detailed index. The nature of the Human Genome Project, a work in progress yielding new discoveries almost daily, makes a comprehensive, up-to-the-minute printed publication impossible. Nonetheless, this book provides a satisfactorily complete look at an extremely complicated endeavor.?Ann G. Brouse, Big Flats Branch Library, NY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 8^-12. Marshall looks at the status of the international Human Genome Project, which is working to create "the tools that will allow for quick and easy exploration of the human chromosomes" and is scheduled to be completed in the year 2005. Her explanation of key concepts involved in genetic research requires some concentrated effort on the part of the reader, but by focusing on the work of a particular team of scientists studying a particular chromosome, Marshall manages to clarify many points. What brings her account down to earth is her concentration on individual scientists and their research. She recognizes the controversies surrounding the science of genetic manipulation but stresses the benefits of the genome map for future biological research and human health, particularly in determining genetic errors responsible for inherited diseases. This good supplemental science material will also be useful in prompting discussion of the ethical issues involved. The source notes are excellent, referring not only to interviews with the scientists included but also to some of their pertinent published works. Glossary; bibliography. Sally Estes

Edition details

• Publisher: Franklin Watts
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0531112993
• ISBN 13: 9780531112991
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 128