The Usborne Internet-linked Introduction to Genes & DNA [antikvár]

The gene revolution Genes and DNA are big news. Stories about cloning, GM foods, designer babies and DNA testing hit the headlines almost every day. But what exactly are genes and DNA? Where are they found? And why are they so important? This sea lion, like all living things, is made of cells. Cells are controlled by the genes inside them. So genes are really instructions for controlling and running living things. What are genes? Genes are the instructions that make humans, animals, plants and other living things work. They are found inside the cells that make up all living things. Genes are made of a chemical called DNA. So "your genes" and "your DNA" often mean the same thing. New discoveries For a long time, scientists did not really know what made living things work. Genes and DNA have only really been understood in the last 100 years. Today, gene scientists know a lot about how genes work, and how they control cells and whole living things. INTERNET LINKS For a link to a website where you can zoom in on the DNA in a human hand, go to www.usborne-quicklinks.com Changing living things In the last 50 years, gene scientists have gone beyond understanding genes and DNA, and learned to change or "genetically modify" them. This means they can change the way living things work and invent new varieties of animals and plants. Gene science is also behind many other new inventions and discoveries. Gene worries Many people are worried about the advances in gene science. They think it might be dangerous to alter genes and change living things. Campaigns are held to protest against some types of gene science. A man dressed as a genetically modified animal protests against changing farm animals' genes.