When a Gene Makes You Smell Like a Fish
... and Other Tales About the Genes in Your Body
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35 217 Ft (33 540 Ft + 5% VAT)
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35 217 Ft
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Product details:
- Publisher OUP USA
- Date of Publication 25 May 2006
- ISBN 9780195169942
- Binding Hardback
- No. of pages240 pages
- Size 147x211x27 mm
- Weight 380 g
- Language English
- Illustrations 75 line drawings 0
Categories
Short description:
The complete genome for humans and over fifty other species have been sequenced. With this data, whole genomes across species have been compared, resulting in new information on the evolution of genes and suites of genes, Chiu, a journalist, presents striking stories that show the role and intrinsic interest of identified genes and suites of genes acting in concert to dictate behaviour, diseases, and the course of an individual's life. A genetic primer provides both background information on genes as well as details about how genes serve as blueprints guiding many aspects of our lives. The rest of the book contains short and engaging stories about many genes and their exhibition in organisms. Most of these stories are about fish, fire and ice, the language gene, fagile x, mightnight'd children, the werewolf gene. A few other stories describe the more common disorders caused by many genes as well as environmental factors.
MoreLong description:
From the gene that causes people to age prematurely to the "bitter gene" that may spawn broccoli haters, this book explores a few of the more exotic locales on the human genome, highlighting some of the tragic and bizarre ways our bodies go wrong when genes fall prey to mutation and the curious ways in which genes have evolved for our survival.
Lisa Seachrist Chiu offers here a smorgasbord of stories about rare and not so rare genetic quirks--the gene that makes some people smell like a fish, the Black Urine Gene, the Werewolf Gene, the Calico Cat Gene. We read about the Dracula Gene, a mutation in zebra fish that causes blood cells to explode on contact with light, and suites of genes that also influence behavior and physical characteristics. The Tangier Island Gene, first discovered after physicians discovered a boy with orange tonsils (scientists now realize that the child's odd condition comes from an inability to process cholesterol). And Wilson's Disease, a gene defect that fails to clear copper from the body, which can trigger schizophrenia and other neurological symptoms, and can be fatal if left untreated. On the plus side, we read about the Myostatin gene, a mutation which allows muscles to become much larger than usual and enhances strength--indeed, the mutations have produced beefier cows and at least one stronger human. And there is also the much-envied Cheeseburger Gene, which allows a lucky few to eat virtually anything they want and remain razor thin.
While fascinating us with stories of genetic peculiarities, Chiu also manages to explain much cutting-edge research in modern genetics, resulting in a book that is both informative and entertaining. It is a must read for everyone who loves popular science or is curious about the human body.
