Science Quest: Double Helix: The Quest to Uncover the Structure of DNA - Hardcover

Phelan, Glen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0792255410 ISBN 13: 9780792255413

Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books, 2006

Synopsis

Trace the quest to solve the scientific riddle of how human traits are passed down from one generation to the next in this new book from National Geographic.

The story begins in 1856, when the scientist and monk Gregor Mendel begins experiments on pea plants, not knowing that he was about to unlock the first secrets of genetics and change our understanding of heredity forever.

Double Helix follows the path to understanding the mysteries of DNA—a twisting quest that will draw young readers into the stories of scientists like Crick and Watson and reveal the discovery's strange connection to the atomic bomb. Author Glen Phelan's accessible text will help readers understand how complex genetic codes distinguish every single individual on Earth. The book also explores the vast range of applications for this landmark biological discovery in areas such as medicine, law, and historical research.

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About this title

About the Author

Glen Phelan has been a teacher and editor, and has written of several books on a variety of science topics. Glen lives in the Chicago area.

Reviews

This title in the Science Questseries offers a brief but informative overview of the quest to understand heredity. The book focuses on the accomplishments of Francis Crick and James Watson, who eventually uncovered the structure of DNA, but begins with Gregor Mendel's experiments, which were used as the foundation of modern genetic research. Attention is also given to contributions made by scientists such as Rosalind Franklin, Linus Pauling, and Maurice Wilkins. The book concludes with a brief discussion of how the discovery of DNA continues to impact genetic research. Attractively designed and abundantly illustrated, this concise, useful resource offers sidebars of additional information throughout. Appendixes include a glossary and resources for further research. Ed Sullivan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0792255410
• ISBN 13: 9780792255413
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 64