Your no-nonsense guide to geneticsWith rapid advances in genomic technologies, genetic testing has become a key part of both clinical practice and research. Scientists are constantly discovering more about how genetics plays a role in health and disease, and healthcare providers are using this information to more accurately identify their patients' particular medical needs. Genetic information is also increasingly being used for a wide range of non-clinical purposes, such as exploring one's ancestry.This new edition of Genetics For Dummies serves as a perfect course supplement for students pursuing degrees in the sciences. It also provides science-lovers of all skill levels with easy-to-follow and easy-to-understand information about this exciting and constantly evolving field. This edition includes recent developments and applications in the field of genetics, such as:* Whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing* Precision medicine and pharmacogenetics* Direct-to-consumer genetic testing for health risks* Ancestry testingFeaturing information on some of the hottest topics in genetics right now, this book makes it easier than ever to wrap your head around this fascinating subject.

Introduction 1Part 1: The Lowdown on Genetics: Just the Basics 7Chapter 1: Welcome to Genetics: What's What and Who's Who 9Chapter 2: Basic Cell Biology 21Chapter 3: Visualize Peas: Discovering the Laws of Inheritance 41Chapter 4: Law Enforcement: Mendel's Laws Applied to Complex Traits 57Part 2: DNA: The Genetic Material 73Chapter 5: DNA: The Basis of Life 75Chapter 6: Chromosomes: The Big Picture 91Chapter 7: Replication: A Copy Machine for DNA 105Chapter 8: DNA Sequencing: Decoding the Genome 123Chapter 9: RNA: DNA's Close Cousin 137Chapter 10: Translating the Genetic Code 151Chapter 11: Gene Expression: What a Cute Pair of Genes 165Part 3: Genetics and Your Health 181Chapter 12: When Things Go Wrong: Changes in DNA Sequence 183Chapter 13: Chromosome Disorders: It's All a Numbers Game 199Chapter 14: Taking a Closer Look at the Genetics of Cancer 217Chapter 15: Genetic Counseling, Risk Assessment, and Genetic Testing 235Chapter 16: Treating Genetic Disorders and Using Genetics to Tailor Treatment 255Part 4: Genetics and Your World 269Chapter 17: Tracing Human History and the Future of the Planet 271Chapter 18: Solving Mysteries Using DNA 287Chapter 19: Genetic Makeovers: Using Genetic Engineering to Change the Genome 307Chapter 20: Giving Ethical Considerations Their Due 327Part 5: The Part of Tens 339Chapter 21: Ten Defining Events in Genetics 341Chapter 22: Ten Hot Issues in Genetics 349Glossary 359Index 365