An Introduction to Human Molecular Genetics: Mechanisms of Inherited Diseases

With the explosion of new information from the Human Genome Project and new disease genes being identified at an extraordinary rate by laboratories around the world, the need for a scientifically sound a pedagogically refined text in Human Molecular Genetics has grown. This new text offers students and readers an extensive, up-to-date treatment of the genetic principles and fundamental molecular mechanisms that govern human inherited diseases. More than a catalogue of disease-related genes, this new text explains the interaction of genes and their products; the consequences of these mechanisms on disease states in major organ systems such as muscle, the nervous system, and the eye; and cancer and mitochondrial disorders.

Praised by numerous reviewers for its timeliness and accuracy, An Introduction to Human Molecular Genetics is an ideal text for advanced undergraduate, early graduate and basic medical school courses in human genetics. The book's lucked style and compelling coverage make it essential reading for all those who seek a better understanding of the fast moving field of Human Molecular Genetics.

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• Engaging writing style and numerous illustrations making complex concepts accessible to all students.
  
• Chapter outlines, lists of key terms, extensive summaries of key concepts and review questions are provided for each chapter.
  
• Up-to-the-minute research and numerous references cited throughout.
  
• From the Human Genetics Files' sections in each chapter present historical and innovative applications and contributions of Human Molecular Genetics (like the use of DNA analysis to identify the remains of the Russian Imperial family).
  
• Full-colour insert illustrates the latest cytogenetic imaging techniques (FISH, SKY).
  
• The text will be complemented with a web site (starting 1/1/2000) that will provide new material divided into 'Updates' and 'Breakthroughs'.

Jack J. Pasternak, Ph.D., is a professor of biology at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. He received his doctoral degree from Indiana University. Dr. Pasternak initiated the Human Molecular Genetics course at the University of Waterloo in 1986. He is the co-author (with his colleague Bernard R. Glick, Ph.D.) of the widely used text, "Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant DNA", Second Edition (ASM Press, 1998).