Biology

DNA and Genetic Engineering

Name: DNA and Genetic Engineering
Author: Robert Snedden
ISBN: 9781432900397

by Robert Snedden

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Overview

DNA and Genetic Engineering explains how DNA is put together and how its code is read and acted upon by the cell to make proteins. This book explores genetic engineering and gene therapy as well as the highly controversial areas of stem cell research and cloning. Up-to-date examples are given, such as the recent use of blood from a baby's umbilical cord to provide stem cells for the testing of new drugs. Each book features: charts and diagrams of important information, further reading and websites, extensive glossary and index.

Synopsis

Children's Literature

Although the cover and format of this book suggest that it is intended for readers with only a basic understanding of this scientific subject, Snedden's text reads like a college-level introduction to the science of genetic engineering. The author swings from introducing easy terms, such as "diabetes," to providing complex descriptions of processes such as "[r]estriction enzymes are then used to open the plasmids, and the genes isolated from the first organism are inserted into the open plasmid." Snedden does manage to cover a great deal of material, but some of his explanations would require a great deal of discussion for most high school students to understand. Each page is densely packed with information, including a huge amount of scientific vocabulary. Even with its excellent glossary, this book is definitely not one that can be quickly skimmed for reference purposes, unless one is already familiar with the topic. Rather, it must be studied by the reader to elucidate its meaning, as the author seems intent on cramming as much information about DNA into its brief pages as possible. On the positive side, the large photos are excellent and the format of the text makes it appear approachable. Furthermore, for those that have studied genetic engineering, the text is a compact overview that is perfect for reviewing. Reviewer: Laura Ruttig

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Editorials

Children's Literature

Although the cover and format of this book suggest that it is intended for readers with only a basic understanding of this scientific subject, Snedden’s text reads like a college-level introduction to the science of genetic engineering. The author swings from introducing easy terms, such as “diabetes,” to providing complex descriptions of processes such as “[r]estriction enzymes are then used to open the plasmids, and the genes isolated from the first organism are inserted into the open plasmid.” Snedden does manage to cover a great deal of material, but some of his explanations would require a great deal of discussion for most high school students to understand. Each page is densely packed with information, including a huge amount of scientific vocabulary. Even with its excellent glossary, this book is definitely not one that can be quickly skimmed for reference purposes, unless one is already familiar with the topic. Rather, it must be studied by the reader to elucidate its meaning, as the author seems intent on cramming as much information about DNA into its brief pages as possible. On the positive side, the large photos are excellent and the format of the text makes it appear approachable. Furthermore, for those that have studied genetic engineering, the text is a compact overview that is perfect for reviewing. Reviewer: Laura Ruttig

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-These books give excellent explanations of complex processes and terms through text, diagrams, and photographs. The attractive page design with judicious use of white space, colors, and highlighted sidebars makes the information accessible. In the first title, Snedden describes the cell cycle, reproduction, development, genes, DNA, and patterns of inheritance. The full-page genetic code table includes an explanation of how it works. The second title introduces the controversy surrounding genetic engineering. Readers learn about gene control, the benefits of bacteria, plasmids, phages, plant regeneration, gene therapy, clones, the Human Genome Project, genetically engineered plants, pharmacogenomics, and transgenic animals. The captions, highlighted in blue, offer more explanations of complex terms. More than 80 words are highlighted in bold and defined in the glossaries. Photographs taken through microscopes are amazingly clear. Richard Beatty's Genetics (RSVP, 2001) offers more biographical information on scientists, but isn't quite up to the level of these books on graphics. Students will find both of these well-written volumes useful for reports, completing homework assignments, and reviewing for tests. Teachers may want to use the DNA book as a discussion starter on the ethics of cloning.-Michael McCullough, Byron-Bergen Middle School, Bergen, NY Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.