Watson, James D., with Andrew Berry. DNA: The Secret of Life.WATSON, James D Watson, James D(ewey) (born April 6, 1928, Chicago, Ill., U.S.) U.S. geneticist and biophysicist. He earned his Ph.D. at Indiana University in 1950. Using X-ray diffraction techniques, he began work in Britain with Francis Crick on the problem of DNA structure. ., with Andrew Berry. DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. ; the secret of life. Random House, Knopf. 446p. illus. notes. bibliog. index. c2003. 0-375-7100708. $24.95. SA* A must-have volume for any library, Watson's book is the bible of DNA science, written specifically with the general reader in mind, "intending that someone with zero biological knowledge should be able to understand the book's every word." Technical terms are explained immediately and high-school students are directed to DNAi. org, the Web site of a multimedia companion project. Thirteen chapters cover the beginnings of genetics (Mendel to Hitler), the double helix, customizing DNA molecules, biotechnology, genetically modified agriculture, evolution, the genetics of human diseases and disorders, and finally the nature/nurture argument. The readable text is lavishly illustrated. Watson Wat·son , James Dewey Born 1928. American biologist who with Francis Crick proposed a spiral model, the double helix, for the molecular structure of DNA. He shared a 1962 Nobel Prize for advances in the study of genetics. gives us juicy tidbits about the discovery of the DNA molecule and infighting in the scientific community, as well as debunking de·bunk tr.v. de·bunked, de·bunk·ing, de·bunks To expose or ridicule the falseness, sham, or exaggerated claims of: debunk a supposed miracle drug. theories such as eugenics. A current debate about genetically improving foods is highlighted as are breast cancer, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia and gene therapy. Watson ends with comments about Darwinism vs. creationism creationism or creation science, belief in the biblical account of the creation of the world as described in Genesis, a characteristic especially of fundamentalist Protestantism (see fundamentalism). and the rift between religious tradition and science. Chapter notes. an extensive bibliography and a thorough index end this admirable text. Co-author Andrew Berry holds a Ph.D. in fruit fly genetics and is a research associate of Harvard University's Museum of Comparative Zoology The Museum of Comparative Zoology is located on the grounds of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is one of three museums which collectively comprise the Harvard Museum of Natural History. The director of the museum is Dr. . Janet Julian, retired English Teacher, Grafton, MA S--Recommended for senior high school students. A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries. *--The asterisk highlights exceptional books. |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion