Essential Genetics: A Genomics Perspective

Essential Genetics: A Genomics Perspective, Sixth Edition, offers a student-friendly deep dive into modern genetics, updated to mirror the most recent breakthroughs in the rapidly evolving field. Tailored for streamlined courses, the book provides a solid foundation in gene mutation, expression, and regulation along with an insightful historical and societal overview of the discipline’s evolution. Every new copy includes access to the companion website, which enriches the learning experience through animated flashcards, crosswords, and practice quizzes. Each chapter is equipped with new learning objectives designed to help students pinpoint essential knowledge and master a range of skills - from basic comprehension to detailed analysis and synthesis. Highlights in this edition include a fresh section on the origin of life in Chapter 1 and a revised discussion in Chapter 2 of the complementation test to distinguish defects in the same gene. New data on the fractal globule model of chromatin folding and expanded sections on progenitor and embryonic stem cells are presented in Chapter 3, while Chapter 4 explores copy-number variations in human amylase and updates on recombination hotspots. Subsequent chapters feature an updated overview of hazards in polycarbonate containers and discussions on the genetics of schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder in Chapter 5; a revised approach to restriction mapping and a look at cutting-edge DNA sequencing technologies in Chapter 6; and a streamlined treatment of bacteriophage recombination in Chapter 7. Later chapters delve into novel mechanisms of transcriptional termination, stochastic effects on gene expression, insights from ancient genomes, master control genes in development, and the latest data on DNA repair, cancer, natural selection detection, and conservation genetics. Designed with an array of problem-solving exercises - from conceptual queries and synthesis challenges to application and analysis problems - this edition equips both students and instructors with valuable tools, including comprehensive study guides, slide presentations, and an online test bank.