DNA: a graphic guide to the molecule that shook the world

A brief history of genetics

What is DNA?

The new biology

DNA replication

What information is stored in a gene?

Where did the notion of messenger RNA come from?

Transcription

Translation

Genetic code

PaJaMo and the Operon

The diversity of gene expression

A brief reminder of relative size

A brief reminder of genes in humans

Prokaryotes versus eukaryotes

Restriction enzymes and genetic engineering

Cloning and sequencing genes

Exons, introns, and splicing

Chromatin and histones

Gene families

Controlling genes for antibodies

Chromosomes

Telomeres

Imprinting and microRNAs : "hidden" layers of gene regulation

Epigenetics

Prions

The Human Genome Project

The human genome unveiled

High throughput sequencing

SNPs

Manipulating the genome

Cloning the organism: the history

From the nucleus of an intestinal cell to a whole frog

Making tissues from stem cells

Going in the other direction: changing mature cells to stem cells

The impact of new genetics on medical research

Diagnosis

DNA and the judicial system

PCR

The impact of DNA

Biotechnology

The origin of life

Tinkering

Selfish genes

Evolving evolution: sources of Darwinian theory

The big gene bet of the last millennium (1999 A.D.)

The twists and turns of history: the problems with gradualism

Watching evolution in action: changes in the stickleback fish

DNA and genetics and the changing view of human evolution

Human evolution and the DNA beginnings of vocal expression: birdsong and language

Epilogue to the first edition.