Preliminary version: last modified Feb. 23, 2001
INTRODUCTION
Genes, genomes -- these subjects are occupying an
ever increasing place in people's lives, but it is not always evident how to stay well-informed, particularly when
new developments arrive at an ever quickening pace. This web site was conceived of as a way to provide information,
beginning with the subjects of current interest, but including as well the foundations in the domains of techniques
and basic sciences that are necessary for a full understanding. Hence, for each subject the information is structured
in a hierarchy, to facilitate progressing more deeply, with three levels:
Current_themes
Techniques
Basic
Sciences
The web is an ideal medium for this purpose, since
links can be established between a subject in the news today and the related scientific topics that are indispensable
in order to achieve an informed opinion. Therefore, for each topic presented, links to the relevant material in
Techniques and Basic Science are indicated. In addition, links to the overall Contents, to each of the three levels,
and to the Bibliography are visible at all times.
The web also facilitates maintaining the information up-to-date, since new material can be added rapidly. We have
chosen a question and answer format as a way of anticipating the dialogue that would take place in a truly interactive
conversation. Where helpful, illustrations have been incorporated.
SUMMARY
CURRENT
THEMES
I. ADVANCEMENTS IN HEALTH CARE
A. Genetic diseases
B. Gene therapy
C. Production of proteins for medical purposes
D. Transplants and xenotransplants
II. GENETIC ENGINEERING OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS
A. Genetically modified organisms
B. Cloning of large animals
III. SEQUENCING THE HUMAN GENOME
IV. IDENTIFICATION OF INDIVIDUALS
V. UNDERSTANDING LIFE
A. The origin of species
B. Genes and behavior
C. Genes and longevity
TECHNIQUES
I. CLONING
II. DNA SEQUENCING
III. GENE TRANSFER
IV. DETERMINATION OF KARYOTYPES
BASIC
SCIENCES
I. FROM THE ORGANISM TO THE GENE
II. GENES
III. PROTEINS
IV. GENETIC INFORMATION
V. MUTATIONS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
I: Books
II. Internet links
CREDITS
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