Table of Contents

THE HUMAN DNA MANUALINTRODUCTIONWhat is DNA and why should I care about it?The recipe for lifeSECTION ONE: The DNA ToolboxChapter 1: The History of DNA discoveryCELLSOrganellesNucleusEndoplasmic ReticulumGolgi apparatusMitochondriaCHROMOSOMESKaryotypeAutosomesSex chromosomesCell divisionMitosisMeiosisGametes and zygosityHEREDITYInheritance patterns and MendelGenes; Bateson, Hugo de VriesDNAAvery-MacLeod-McCartyNucleic acidMieschner & AltmannDouble helixFranklin-Wilkins, Watson-CrickSugar-phosphate backboneBase pairsDNA replication, Meselson-StahlExons, introns"Junk" DNA (or what does 98% of human DNA actually do?RNA and ribosomesPROTEINSCracking the genetic codeNirenberg-Leder, KhoranaAminoacidsThe shape of you - how protein structure worksDNA MODIFICATION/EPIGENETICSImprintingUniparental disomyMethylationCoilingHistones, chromatinTHE HUMAN GENOMEIntroductionSequencing, SangerHuman Genome ProjectThe 100 000 Genomes ProjectChapter 2: Genetics in actionWhat is the genetic code?Human gene variationGenetic diseaseNaming genes, Sonic Hedgehog and Lunatic FringeGenome builds and browsersBioinformatics made easyBig dataRelatedness and ConsanguinityChapter 3: Practical applications of DNAHow to extract DNA in your kitchenExtract DNA from strawberries using household equipmentTake the genetic testConduct the cracker test; find out how quickly you digest carbohydrateBump, the congenial genealogy dating appThe photic sneeze reflex or ACHOO syndromeAfter a meal of asparagusIs tongue rolling a genetic trait?Always getting a bad hangover?SECTION TWO: DNA PastChapter 4: History and DNAGenes and EvolutionThe ABC of extracting ancient DNAWhat ancient DNA says about usFrom field to laboratory: what DNA can tell us about the fossil recordHome habilis, Home erectus, Homo neanderthalis, Homo sapiensGene clusters in human speciationCharles DarwinGenes and extinctionCould we use ancient DNA to bring Neanderthal man back to life?DNA and raceHow ancient DNA is transforming historyAncient DNA and the history of the human populationEugenicsSECTION THREE: DNA PresentChapter 5: Crime and punishmentThe history of DNA analysis:Blood typing, Tissue typing, Restriction enzyme, Sanger sequencing, SNPsDNA fingerprintingAlec JeffreysDNA profilingDNA evidence for crime solvingThe Genetics of criminalityPaternity testingDNA profiling and disaster victim identificationChapter 6: DNA in MedicineInheritance patterns revisitedAutosomal dominantAutosomal recessiveX-linked recessiveX-linked dominant; Royalty, Rasputin and the RomanovsMitochondrialPersonalised MedicinePharmacogenomicsGenetic predisposition to late-onset diseaseThe difference between diagnostic and predictive genetic testingGenetic anticipationWoody Guthrie's genetic diseaseCan genetic diseases ever be treated?Skipping generationsGenetic predisposition to cancerModifying genetic riskReproductive carrier testing for genetic diseasesThe protective effect of being a carrierThe case for cystic fibrosisThe case for sickle cell anaemiaConsanguinity and recessive disorders revisitedChromosome abnormalitiesGenetics and reproductive medicinePrenatal diagnosisPreimplantation genetic diagnosismitochondrial transferPreimplantation genetic screeningCell-free fetal DNAGene therapyHow is it done?What can it be used to treat?What are its limitations?The microbiomeWhat is the microbiome?How can it affect our health?Obesity and the microbiomeParkinson's disease and the microbiomeMicrobiome and mental healthSpecial considerations in genetic testingGenetic testing in childrenAdoptionGenetics and insuranceBreaking confidentiality: genetic testing and the lawSECTION FOUR: DNA FUTUREChapter 7: Don't believe the hype?The consumer genomics revolutionDirect to consumer genetic testing (DTC)Ancestry DNADNA and data privacyIs obesity genetic?Is gender genetically determined?Chapter 8: What happens next?The Era of epigenetics – nature versus nurture under the microscopeEpigenomicsEpigenetics and smokingEpigenetics and aging: the epigenetic clockGenetic engineeringGene editingHuman reproductive cloningTherapeutic cloningCancer genomics

Details