Introducing genetics. Alison Thomas.

Includes index.

"The new edition of Introducing Genetics is a clear, concise, and accessible guide to inheritance and variation in individuals and populations. It first establishes the principles of Mendelian inheritance and the nature of chromosomes, before tackling quantitative and population genetics. The final three chapters introduce the molecular mechanisms that underlie genetics, including the techniques responsible for the current genetic revolution. As genetics affects all living organisms, examples are taken from insects, plants, animals, and humans. Each chapter ends with a set of problems to help the reader develop their understanding of genetics"--

"Introducing Genetics provides an accessible introduction to the three key areas of genetics: Mendelian, Molecular and Population. Genetics is such a widely taught subject, that it is sometimes assumed the student already has a thorough basic knowledge. This book describes the basic concepts of genetics from first principles to most recent developments, and will be easily understood by those following a wide variety of different courses both within and without life sciences. Beginning with a brief look at how far the science of genetics has progressed during the twentieth century, the book then proceeds to establish the key principles of Mendelian inheritance and the nature of chromosomes, including sex chromosomes and their role in sex determination. Separate chapters are devoted to introducing population genetics and quantitative genetics. The final part of the book examines the molecular nature of the gene, and how it underpins cellular activity, ending with a look at recent developments in gene manipulation. Throughout the book, the text refers to real-life examples of both plants and animals and is supported with diagrams and relevant case studies. At the end of each chapter are questions, carefully designed to help build the student's confidence in his or her developing understanding of the subject"--