Reshaping Life
Key Issues in Genetic Engineering

An authoritative yet easy-to-read description of molecular biology, genetics, and the ethical implications of genetic engineering.

G. J. V. Nossal (Author), Ross L. Coppel (Author)

9780521524230, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 26 August 2002

264 pages, 13 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1.5 cm, 0.34 kg

'… clear, readable and worthy.' Genetical Research

Reshaping Life is an authoritative yet easy-to-read description of modern molecular biology and genetics, and the ethical implications of genetic engineering. Now in its third edition, it has been fully revised and updated, taking advantage of a decade of progress in genetics and biotechnology. No other book straddles the scientific and the social dimensions of genetics as lucidly. It offers a concise working knowledge of DNA science and of those aspects of cell biology needed to understand such issues as animal cloning, genetically modified food, and gene therapy. It examines the debates on the sociological and ethical issues surrounding modern technology, laying out the issues for the reader, while urging a rational approach. Reshaping Life is well suited to general readers interested in science and medicine, as well as undergraduate and graduate students across a broad band of disciplines within the life sciences.

Preface
1. The genie is out of the bottle
2. The organization of life
3. The mechanics of gene transplantation
4. Genomes: the encyclopaedias of life
5. Factories for precious proteins
6. Genes as diagnostic probes
7. Gene therapy, cellular engineering and human cloning
8. Vaccines of the future
9. Genetically manipulated organisms
10. The DNA industry
11. Scientists playing God
12. Genetic engineering and public policy
13. Distant horizons
Appendix. Subcellular organelles
Glossary
Suggestions for further reading
Index.

Subject Areas: Biotechnology [TCB], Cellular biology [cytology PSF], Molecular biology [PSD], Genetics [non-medical PSAK], Bio-ethics [PSAD], Medical ethics & professional conduct [MBDC]