Genetics: A Conceptual Approach

by Benjamin A. Pierce

Book Overview

With Genetics: A Conceptual Approach, Ben Pierce brings a master teacher's experiences to the introductory genetics textbook, clarifying this complex subject by focusing on the big picture of genetics... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0716779285
• ISBN13: 9780716779285
• Release Date: December 2007
• Publisher: W. H. Freeman
• Length: 832 Pages
• Weight: 2.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 9.2" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

review for genetics:a conceptual approach

The product was in great condition,exactly like the description and shipped to me in time.

Solid text

I used this with my genetics class over the summer. The information is very clear and well organized. I found it incredibly useful. The inserts on real-world issues in genetics were very interesting as well. However, sometimes this book is quirky in an odd way. For example, one of the chapter introductions refers to Helicobacter pylori as a 'sexy bacterium.' I'm not kidding. It's good for a laugh, but what were the authors thinking?! Nonetheless it has no effect on the material in the text, and thus I would recommend it for a genetics class.

Great for visual learner

Book translates complex genetic concepts (hybrid crosses, inheritance, etc.) into easy to read figures and tables. Helped simplify what I thought were going to be difficult topics to learn. A textbook I will likely keep for my own knowledge rather than sell once the class is over.

Very good book

I don't have biology background but this book helps me learn a lot. The author presents concepts in a simple and clear manner.

Amazing Intro Book on Genetics

This book provides a wonderful and comprehensive introduction to genetics. I'm not a biology major, but I found that this book is both entertaining and informative. The author describes a wide panoramic view on the genetics, and yet addresses the fundamental concepts in genetics in very clear manner. DNA structure, replication, transcription to RNA, RNA processing, and RNA translation (a.k.a. the central dogma) have been very hard to comprehend and visualize, yet the author explains it very well. Numerous detailed illustrations in the book really helps to clarify the central dogma. All chapters start with VERY compelling REAL-WORLD cases that tantalizes you on learning the subject presented in the chapter. That makes me wanting to read for more. The writing is concise and clear. The author clearly knows his stuff. Overall, it is a great intro book. Great for both self-learners and in-class students. Definitely a must buy for those who want to get acquainted in genetics. For in depth contents: The book seems to be divided into four parts. 1. It starts with principles of classical (Mendelian) genetics with its applications on chapter 1. Then it goes into cell structures, functions, and reproduction with chapter 2-4. Followed by heredity principles of reproduction and how classical genetics fit into the analysis of hereditary traits. The next chapter discusses how classical genetics is not enough -- the author presents compelling cases like lethal alleles, incomplete penetration, and so forth in chapter 5-6. This limitation brings forth extensions and modifications on the basic principles, which is also discussed. The author also discusses other analyses to detect hereditary traits, such as pedigree analysis. 2. The second part is more toward modern genetics: How genes are not independently assorted as the Mendelian principles dictates. The concept of linkage, recombination, and consequently gene mapping are discussed in chapter 7. Followed by Chapter 8 is sort of intermezzo on bacterial and viral genetic systems. 3. The third part is the meat of the book: Chapter 9 discusses what chromosomes are and how chromosomes abnormalities occur and what type of abnormalities. Chapter 10 discusses about DNA and RNA structure, followed by chromosome structure in chapter 11. Chapter 12 discusses DNA replication and recombination with detailed illustrations. Chapter 13 discusses transcription process, followed by chapter 14 on RNA molecules and processing. Chapter 15 discusses about genetic code and translation, followed by chapter 16: Gene expression. Chapter 17 discusses gene mutations and DNA repair. 4. The fourth part is "elective" part: Chapter 18: Recombinant DNA technolocy Chapter 19: Genomics (Structural, Functional, and Comparative) Chapter 20: Organelle DNA Chapter 21: Various advanced topics Chapter 22: Quantitative Genetics (very basic single locus regression as an intro) Chapter 23: Population and Evolutionary Genetics