Heredity and Genetics

Popular television shows, such as Finding Your Roots and Who Do You Think You Are? have ignited a renewed passion for traditional genealogical research and thrown genetic ancestry testing into the spotlight. Once a tool only for historians and forensic scientists, DNA testing is now available directly to the consumer. Supporting the Next Generation Science Standards on heredity and inheritance of traits, this book uses simple language and detailed images and charts to explain how genetic ancestry testing is done, what it can, and cannot, reveal about a family tree, and the potential unintended consequences of being tested. Sidebars offer information about related topics, such as the Human Genome Project, mitochondrial Eve, and genetic genealogy careers.

She has her mother's eyes. He has his father's nose. People, animals, and plants inherit traits from their parents through their genes. Variations and new combinations of genes create the differences that make each individual unique. Through simplified explanations of complex scientific concepts, full-color images, and informative sidebars, this book supports the Next Generation Science Standards on heredity and inheritance of traits by discussing how genes are passed on through the generations, how variations occur, and how these genetic changes can help humans and other populations survive. A Further Reading section with current books and websites and a bibliography encourage further exploration of the subject.

Why do people have certain traits and talents? We are all who we are because cells in our bodies grow and respond according to instructions from DNA molecules. RNA carries the DNA details from the cell nucleus to other parts of the cell. Engaging language and detailed, colorful images and diagrams simplify complicated scientific principles into pieces of information students can comprehend more easily. They will gain a deeper understanding of how DNA and RNA work together to make all the individual humans, animals, and plants on our planet.

Through simple yet engaging language and detailed images and charts, readers will explore the work of Aristotle, Linnaeus, Darwin, and other well-known, and some not so well-known, figures throughout history who tried to make sense of the natural world, as well as the breakthroughs and technologies that allow scientists to study organisms down to the genetic level. This book supports the Next Generation Science Standards on heredity and biological evolution by helping students understand how mutations lead to genetic variation, which in turn leads to natural selection. In addition, informative sidebars, a bibliography, and a Further Reading section with current books and educational websites will allow inquisitive minds to dive deeper into the evolutionary relationships among organisms.

Completed in April 2003, the Human Genome Project was an international effort to map out and read all the genes that make up Homo sapiens. This book supports the Next Generation Science Standards on heredity and biological evolution by examining the history of genetics and the Human Genome Project, the mechanisms behind heredity, and the types of genetic errors that lead to hereditary diseases. Through simplified explanations of complex scientific concepts, full-color images, and informative sidebars, students will also learn about the ethical issues associated with the program as well how the information gained from the research has given rise to individualized medical tests and treatments.