Mutants, Clones, And Killer Corn: Unlocking The Secrets Of Biotechnology (Discovery!)

Seiple, Samantha; Seiple, Todd

ISBN 10: 0822548607 ISBN 13: 9780822548607

Publisher: Lerner Pub Group, 2005

Synopsis

Describes the history of genetics and biotechnology, and discusses their uses in the future, including growing human organs for transplants and re-creating the dinosaurs.

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Reviews

Grade 8-10 -The Seiples present an overview of biotechnology from its origins in selective breeding to its possible future implications. The writing is clear and a brief outline of genetics is offered for those unfamiliar with the subject. The areas covered include genetically altered foods and animals, including pigs whose genetic structure was modified in order to produce more environment-friendly manure. The final chapter provides information on the numerous agencies that exist to oppose biotechnology research, such as The Union of Concerned Scientists, Greenpeace, and PETA. The appealing layout features color photographs, charts, and graphs, as well as informative sidebars. The graphics pertaining to DNA and its structure are especially useful. A solid, up-to-date addition for reports and general-interest reading.-Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, WA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gr. 6-9. In an introduction to basic genetics and biotechnology (using living organisms to create products for humans), the authors explain historical roots of the science, then describe modern methods, including genetic modification, cloning, xenotransplantation, cross-breeding, and mutations. In straightforward fashion, the Seiples calmly discuss and justify a variety of practices (for example, modifying the genes of the anopheles mosquito to forestall the malaria parasite) and highlight some notable scientific successes and failures (the creation of "killer bees," for example). A final chapter identifies opposition to biotechnology by groups such as PETA and Greenpeace. The book contains many positive examples, but some accounts are unsettling, such as a glowing green rabbit created as art. Generously illustrated in full-color and appended with a time line, a glossary, source notes, and a bibliography, this is a thoughtful and well-researched title in the Discovery! series that will be useful for report writers and debaters as well as future scientists. Kay Weisman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Lerner Pub Group
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0822548607
• ISBN 13: 9780822548607
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 112