Cloning: Frontiers of Genetic Engineering (Megatech)

Jefferis, David; Jefferis, Davies

ISBN 10: 0778700488 ISBN 13: 9780778700487

Publisher: Crabtree Pub Co

Synopsis

Discusses the science of genetics, the first successful cloning of a mammal, its implications, and its ethical aspects

About this title

Reviews

Grade 5-7-Splashy introductions to burgeoning areas of modern technology. All three titles have bright, full-color photographs on nearly every page. Many captions and sidebars combine with single paragraphs of text to trace the development of these scientific wonders. "Time Track" sections highlight historical discoveries and the scientists who made them. Two-page glossaries define technical terms in full paragraphs. In each volume, several aspects of the main topic are touched upon with enough detail to give readers a basic understanding of the technology and its significance to human life. Artificial Intelligence shows the variety of robotic devices and advances in computer power in use today and those envisioned for the near future. Cloning traces the history of genetic discoveries and theories, including the basics of cellular reproduction and describes research in the genetic engineering of plants, animals, and humans. Cyberspace relates the history of telecommunications, the Internet, and the World Wide Web. Applications of virtual reality to medicine, entertainment, military training, and space exploration indicate its potential value as it continues to be refined. Minor errors do not mar the overall value of material presented. For example, Cyberspace defines optical fiber as "ultra-fine plastic tube" when most optical fibers used in communications are actually glass encased in plastic. David Freedman's Brainmakers (S & S, 1994; o.p.), Linda Tagliaferro's Genetic Engineering (Lerner, 1997), and Sean M. Grady's Virtual Reality (Facts On File, 1998) are less colorful, but provide greater depth of coverage.
Ann G. Brouse, Big Flats Branch Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Taken from Chapter 8: Cloning people Cloning is not that unusual. Gardeners have been cloning plants for centuries, without knowing anything about the science involved. Genetic engineers have also been cloning living things for many years, but experiments have been mostly on simple organisms such as bacteria. Most experts think that this type of technology is too dangerous for use with humans. However, it is only a matter of time before someone tries it out.

Edition details

• Publisher: Crabtree Pub Co
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0778700488
• ISBN 13: 9780778700487
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 32