The twentieth century has been called “the genetic century,” and rightly so—the genetic revolution began with the rediscovery of Gregor Mendel’s work in 1900, Watson and Crick elucidated the structure of DNA in 1953, and the first draft of the human genome sequence was announced in February of 2001. But as dramatic and important as these advances were, they will almost certainly pale in comparison with those still awaiting us. Building on foundations laid over the last one hundred years, the twenty-first century will likely see discoveries that profoundly affect our understanding of our genetic nature, and greatly increase our ability to manipulate genes to shape ourselves and our environment. As more is learned, the pace of discovery will only increase, revealing not only the identities of increasing number of genes, but more importantly, how they function, interact, and go awry to cause disease.

As the importance of genetics in our daily lives has grown, so too has the importance of its place in the modern science classroom—in the study of biology, genetics has become the central science. Our purpose in creating this encyclopedia is to provide students and their teachers the most comprehensive and accessible reference available for understanding this rapidly changing field.

In the four volumes of Genetics, students will find detailed coverage of every topic that arises in standard and advanced biology courses, and many that don't, from fundamental concepts to cutting-edge applications. We explain the history, theory, technology, and uses (and misuses) of genetic knowledge. We span the field from classical genetics to molecular genetics to population genetics. Students and teachers can use the set to reinforce classroom lessons about basic genetic processes, expand on a discussion on a special topic, or learn about an entirely new idea.

Sidebar: Explore further in Gene, Polymerase Chain Reaction, and Eugenics

Many advances in genetics have their greatest impact on understanding of human health and disease. One of the most important areas of research is in the understanding of complex diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, in which genes and environment interact to produce or prevent disease. In Genetics, we devote more than two dozen entries to both single-gene and complex genetic disorders, offering the latest understanding of their causes, diagnoses, and treatments. Many more entries illustrate basic genetic processes with discussion of diseases in which these processes go wrong. In addition, students will find in-depth explanations of how genetic diseases arise, how disease genes are discovered, and how gene therapy hopes to treat them.

Sidebar: Explore further in Alzheimer Disease, Genetic Testing, and Gene Therapy

Advances in genetic understanding and manipulation have brought great benefits, but have also raised troubling ethical and legal issues, most prominently in the areas of reproductive technology, cloning, and biotechnology. In Genetics, the student will find discussions of both the science behind these advances, and the ethical issues each has engendered. As with every entry in Genetics, these are accompanied by suggestions for further reading to allow the student to seek more depth and pursue other points of view.

Sidebar: Explore further in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Cloning Organisms, and Cloning: Ethical Issues

The explosion of genetic knowledge in the last several decades can be attributed in large part to the discovery and development of a set of precise and powerful tools for analyzing and manipulating DNA. In these volumes, students will find clear explanations of how each of these tools work, and how they are used by scientists to conduct molecular genetic research. We also discuss how the computer and the internet have radically expanded the ability of scientists to process large amounts of data, making possible the analysis of whole genomes, leading not just to the discovery of new genes, but to a greater understanding of how whole genomes function and evolve.

Sidebar: Explore further in Sequencing DNA, DNA Microarrays, and Internet

The short history of genetics is marked by brilliant insights and major theoretical advances, as well as misunderstandings and missed opportunities. In Genetics, we present these events in both historical essays and biographies of major figures, from Mendel to McClintock. The future of genetics will be created by today’s students, and in these volumes we present information on almost two dozen careers in this field, ranging from attorney to clinical geneticist to computational biologist.

Sidebar: Explore further in Morgan, Thomas Hunt and Computational Biologist

Contributors and Arrangement of the Material
The goal of each of the 255 entries in Genetics is to give the interested student access to a depth of discussion not easily available elsewhere, written with their needs in mind. Entries have been written by professionals in the field, including experts whose work has helped define the current state of knowledge. Each entry has been carefully edited to make it accessible to the student, and to provide students with the background and context they need to make connections with what they have learned in the classroom.

To aid understanding and increase interest, most entries are illustrated with clear diagrams and dramatic photographs. Each entry cross-references related entries, and provides suggested readings and internet resources for further exploration or elaboration. Specialized or unfamiliar terms are defined in the margin, and collected in a glossary at the end of each volume. Each volume also contains an index, and a cumulative index is found at the end of volume four. A topical index is also included, allowing students and teachers to see at a glance the range of entries available on a particular topic.

Acknowledgments and Thanks
Genetics represents the collective inspiration and hard work of many people. Helene Potter at MacMillan Library Reference knew how important a reference this encyclopedia would be, and her commitment and enthusiasm brought it into being. Kate Millson of the Gale Group has provided simply outstanding editorial management throughout this long process, and I am deeply in her debt. Our three editorial board members—Ralph Meyer, David Micklos, and Margaret Pericak-Vance—gave the encyclopedia its broad scope and currency, and were vital in ensuring accuracy in this rapidly changing field. Finally, the entries in Genetics are the product of nearly two hundred scientists, doctors, and other professionals. Their willingness to contribute their time and expertise made this work possible, and it is to them that the greatest thanks are due.

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