Product Description

Now in its third edition, Human Molecular Genetics continues to provide authoritative guidance on the principles underlying human molecular genetics. The content and organization has been fully revised.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #34960 in Books
• Published on: 2003-11-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 696 pages

From the Back Cover
With this fully updated third edition, Human Molecular Genetics enters the post-genome era. The content and organisation have been thoroughly revised to take account of the new knowledge and new emphases in human molecular genetics now that we have the human genome sequence.

Introductory chapters cover DNA structure and function, chromosomes, pedigrees and the basic techniques of PCR, cloning and hybridization, and now include a new chapter on cells and development. Later chapters detail our new understanding of the structure, organization, expression and evolution of the human genome, and the progress of the many parallel genome projects.

Sections on variation, mutation and disease relate this knowledge to Mendelian diseases, complex multifactorial diseases and cancer. Mapping and identification of disease genes, molecular pathology and molecular diagnosis are treated in depth. The final sections cover functional genomics, the role of animal models and new approaches to genetic treatment of disease.

Overall, Human Molecular Genetics provides a complete, up-to-the-minute account of human molecular genetics in the post-genome era, from basic principles to current practice. Human Molecular Genetics is carefully designed to engage and motivate students with clear yet detailed full-colour illustrations, special topic boxes (including coverage of ethical, legal and social issues such as eugenics, genetic testing and human cloning) and a constant emphasis on understanding principles rather than learning detail.

About the Author

Professors Tom Strachan & Andrew Read awarded the Education Award 2007 of the ESHG for their outstanding contribution to the dispersal of knowledge of modern human molecular genetics among students and professionals.

Tom Strachan is Scientific Director of the Institute of Human Genetics and Professor of Human Molecular Genetics at the University of Newcastle. Tom's early research interests were in multigene family evolution and interlocus sequence exchange, notably in the HLA and 21-hydroxylase gene clusters. While pursuing the latter, he became interested in medical genetics and disorders of development. His most recent research has been on the molecular genetics of early mammalian development, and focuses on building an electronic atlas of gene expression in early human development and investigating the function of inversin, a major determinant of the left-right axis.

Andrew Read is a Professor of Human Genetics at Manchester University. Andrew has been particularly concerned with making the benefits of DNA technology available to people with genetic problems. He established one of the first DNA diagnostic laboratories in the UK over 20 years ago (it is now one of two National Genetics Reference Laboratories), and was founder chairman of the British Society for Human Genetics, the main professional body in this area. His own research is on the molecular pathology of various hereditary syndromes, especially hereditary hearing loss.

Customer Reviews

A tough read
This is not the book for an introduction to genetics. I had to buy it because my lecturer said we'd definetly need it but I have found myself relying on simpler texts. This book just goes into too much wordy, tedious detail. Its a shame, because the first edition is gem. Buy this as a reference text because it is very comprehensive, but if you are a newcommer to genetics also get a simpler textbook!

A must have reference book for anyone studying Human Genetic
The book clearly and accuratley setails the current state of knowledge of Human Genetics at the Molecular Level, providing examples where relevant. The book is easily accesible to biologists with little experience in molecular biology as all techniques and principles are clearly explained.

A worthwhile investment

This book is up to date but a confusing read
Although this should be a useful addition to any genetics library, it requires you to know your stuff. The titles and headings can be illogical and a confusing colour scheme often detracts from the information. Still, the most up to date genetics textbook around with a lot of internet references which are helpful.