Genetics and You / Edition 1

by John F. Jackson

Overview

In Genetics and You, John F. Jackson, MD, an eminent medical geneticist of many years' experience, presents everything you need to know to understand and deal with inherited disease and its risks. He explains in simple understandable language the sometimes baffling principles of genetics that underlie genetic disorders. From these principles, Dr. Jackson clarifies the process of genetic counseling, demonstrates the importance of constructing a family pedigree, and describes the latest methods of prenatal diagnosis. You will also learn about the role of environmental factors in producing birth defects, how the new techniques from molecular biology can help in their early detection and prevention, and what your reproductive options may be. A glossary of terms reduces to everyday language the sometimes mystifying technical jargon used by geneticists. There is also an annotated bibliography describing other books to consult, as well as a list of organizations to contact for further information and help with specific problems.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780896033290
Publisher:	Springer-Verlag New York, LLC
Publication date:	10/05/1995
Edition description:	1996
Pages:	92
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.01(d)

About the Author

Jackson, John F., MD (Univ of Mississippi)

Table of Contents

1. Principles of Genetics.- Chromosomes, Genes, and DNA.- Sex Determination—Xs and Ys.- The Genetic Shuffle.- Genetic Linkage.- Flipping Coins.- Cutting the Cards.- 2. Genetic Counseling.- Definition.- Who Needs Counseling?.- What the Counselor Needs.- Constructing a Pedigree.- 3. Prenatal Diagnosis.- Indications.- Sonography.- Amniocentesis.- Chorionic Villus Sampling.- Chromosome Abnormalities.- Biochemical Disorders.-—-Fetoprotein.- 4. Teratogens.- 5. The New Genetics.- RFLPs, PCR, and DNA Fingerprints.- Some Common Inherited Diseases.- Cholesterol, Hearts, and Heads.- Transplantation.- Cancer Genetics.- Special Mechanisms of Inheritance.- The Human Genome.- 6. Getting Your Questions Answered.- Your Personal Physician.- Referral to a Geneticist.- What to Expect.- Early Detection and Prevention.- Treatment.- Foundations and Societies.- 7. Dealing With Your Decisions.- Nature: Why Did This Happen?.- Risks: Why Did This Happen to Me?.- Burden: What Does It Mean to Me?.- Reproductive Options.- 8. the Crystal Ball.- Genetic Engineering.- Cloning.- A Brief Annotated Reference List.

Editorial Reviews

...recommended for consumer health information collections. - Consumer Connections

From the Publisher

2 Stars from Doody

This brief book (78 pages of text) offers an introduction to genetics and genetic counseling. It is not a book about genetic disorders, but about basic principles of heredity and the principles and procedures used in the practice of clinical genetics. The book is intended for interested lay people, and its appeal will extend no further. The language and typography appear intended to make the content easily accessible to a very wide audience. The book contains 16 illustrations, 3 tables, and a brief glossary, which are helpful. The appearance of the book is inviting and not overwhelming. I found the style of writing telegraphic and staccato, and the contents were often too compressed. For example, in less than seven pages the author presents chromosomes and chromosome analysis, DNA base-pairing and duplication, transcription and translation, the types of gene products, and mitochondrial genetics, plus four figures! The organization of topics was also uneven and did not create the intended simple explanations.

Joel Charrow

Jackson used a privately printed version of this introductory text in science education courses at the University of Mississippi, where he taught and practiced medical genetics. The present version, aimed at the layperson, briefly describes the basic principles of genetics, genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis, and current procedures in research and clinical genetics. Jackson also furnishes readers with potential questions to ask their doctors. The glossary and an annotated reference list conclude the clear and helpful manual.

William Beatty

Reviewer: Joel Charrow, MD (Children's Memorial Hospital)
Description: This brief book (78 pages of text) offers an introduction to genetics and genetic counseling.
Purpose: It is not a book about genetic disorders, but about basic principles of heredity and the principles and procedures used in the practice of clinical genetics.
Audience: The book is intended for interested lay people, and its appeal will extend no further. The language and typography appear intended to make the content easily accessible to a very wide audience.
Features: The book contains 16 illustrations, 3 tables, and a brief glossary, which are helpful. The appearance of the book is inviting and not overwhelming.
Assessment: I found the style of writing telegraphic and staccato, and the contents were often too compressed. For example, in less than seven pages the author presents chromosomes and chromosome analysis, DNA base-pairing and duplication, transcription and translation, the types of gene products, and mitochondrial genetics, plus four figures! The organization of topics was also uneven and did not create the intended simple explanations.

Doody's Review Service