Contents

What Is NIGMS?

A Science Called Genetics

Chapter 1: How Genes Work

• From Genes to Proteins
• Remarkable RNA
• Controlling Genes
• The Tools of Genetics: Gene Chips and Microarrays
• "Extra" DNA in Genes and RNA Splicing
• How Ribosomes Make Proteins
• How Genes Control Development
• The Tools of Genetics: Recombinant DNA

Chapter 2: Strange But True: Exceptions to Mendel's Rules

• The Genetics of Anticipation
• The Tools of Genetics: Mapping and Sequencing the Human Genome
• The Battle of the Sexes
• The Other Human Genome
• Jumping Genes
• The Tools of Genetics: Designer Mice
• Living Laboratories

Chapter 3: What Is Basic Research, and Why Do It?

• Living Clocks
• Programmed Cell Death
• An Unexpected Discovery About Chromosome Tips

Chapter 4: Genes and Disease

• DNA Copying and Cancer
• Chromosomes and Birth Defects
• From Fly Lungs to Human Cancer

Chapter 5: Genetics in the 21st Century

• The New Biotechnology
• The Tools of Genetics: Unlimited DNA
• The Genetics of Complex Disorders: Lessons from Mice and Computers
• The Tools of Genetics: Informatics and Databases
• Human Variation and Disease
• The Tools of Genetics: Genetic Testing
• Medicines and Your Genes
• Help Wanted

Additional Resources

Glossary