Understanding Genetics: DNA, Genes, and Their Real-World Applications

We use DNA routinely - to cure diseases, solve crimes, and reunite families. Yet we've known about it for only 60 years. And what we're continuing to learn about it every day has the potential to transform our health, our nutrition, our society, and our future. But what, exactly, is DNA, the self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms? You'll learn the answer - and much more - in this briskly paced series of 24 easily understood lectures from an award-winning teacher, author, and scientist. Professor Sadava unlocks DNA's mysteries as he explains what the science of genetics is and guides you through decades of cutting-edge research, scientific discovery, and genetics' weighty implications for us as individuals and as a society. Professor Sadava draws on examples from his own research to show how understanding genetics allows us to improve medical treatment and nutrition, vastly improving our health and quality of life. You'll also learn how understanding genetics is a critical step toward understanding human identity, itself. For examining our DNA - how it works and what happens when something goes wrong - enables us to see the roots of how our bodies work, why we get sick, and how traits are passed through families. Enjoy this rare opportunity to peer over the shoulder of a working scientist, learning how he puzzles through the problems of genetics to find meaningful, real-world solutions that can not only save an individual life but also enhance the quality of life for everyone.

All Lectures:
1. Our Inheritance
2. Mendel and Genes
3. Genes and Chromosomes
4. The Search for the Gene-DNA
5. DNA Structure and Replication
6. DNA Expression in Proteins
7. Genes, Enzymes, and Metabolism
8. From DNA to Protein
9. Genomes
10. Manipulating Genes-Recombinant DNA
11. Isolating Genes and DNA
12. Biotechnology - Genetic Engineering
13. Biotechnology and the Environment
14. Manipulating DNA by PCR and Other Methods
15. DNA in Identification - Forensics
16. DNA and Evolution
17. DNA and Human Evolution
18. Molecular Medicine - Genetic Screening
19. Molecular Medicine - The Immune System
20. Molecular Medicine - Cancer
21. Molecular Medicine - Gene Therapy
22. Molecular Medicine - Cloning and Stem Cells
23. Genetics and Agriculture
24. Biotechnology and Agriculture