Genome: The Autobiography Of Species In 23 Chapters: The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters

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If you are interested in science, biology or evolution just a little bit then read this, you won't be disappointed. I recently read two other books on the human genome: Siddhartha Mukherjee's The Gene: An Intimate History and Sam Kean's The Violinist's Thumb: And Other Lost Tales of Love, War, and Genius, as Written by Our Genetic Code. In fact, the Bibliography and Notes section mentions that the book was already out of date, as new knowledge is growing at a very fast rate. Robert Plomin's announcement in 1997 of the discovery of "a gene for intelligence" on chromosome 6 is the foundation for this chapter's lengthier discussion of the genetic basis for intelligence.

During the current pandemic, he has written essays for the Wall Street Journal and The Spectator about the origin and genomics of the virus. Rather than the detached scientist studying life through a microscope, Ridley actively engages with life, challenging and observing and questioning. His feeling for a good anecdote is neither substandard nor superb; he presents many interesting stories, but none so shocking, hilarious, or dramatic as could be found in, say, Bryson.It is interesting to me how, despite our best efforts, our preconceptions can totally shape our experiences. He also points out that until the 19th century, most scholars believed that there were 24 sets of genes, not 23 as known today. His understanding of the material is neither superficial nor deep; the reader is given some discussions of the logic of the theories, but as quick sketches rather than detailed diagrams. Our genome - that is all our genes in the form of 23 chromosomes - is present in almost every cell in our body.

Instead of the coldly yet carefully studied discourse on genetics it could have been, the book joins human life and genetics together in a compassionate way. It’s mostly informative and tries hard to avoid reinforcing certain misconceptions — like the idea that a gene codes for a disease, or that things are as simple as a single gene coding for a single trait. The interplay between the breast cancer genes BRCA2 on chromosome 13 and BRCA1 on chromosome 17 help to illustrate these larger concepts. An extraordinarily nimble synthesist, Ridley leaps from chromosome to chromosome in a handy summation of our ever increasing understanding of the roles that genes play in disease, behavior, sexual differences, and even intelligence. Each chapter then takes one chromosome and selects from each a particular gene to describe with a much broader emphasis upon what this actually means for human individuality, culture and society.I found the account of apoptosis (cell suicide), effected by genes `for the good of the body', to be an informative evolutionary basis for better understanding cancer. Some day, when through genomic science we learn what its normal function is, the gene may acquire a new identity altogether. This book was fascinating as it took every human genome and added real life in clear, lucid examples. It is not understood why we and all animals have evolved in such a way that stress suppresses our immune systems. Gene mutations can lead to disease, and sometimes there is a balancing effect between resistance to one disease at the expense of being susceptible to another disease.

Serotonin is a similar brain chemical that when very low can lead to impulsiveness and when very high lead to OCD. He crafts some of the clearest explanations of complex biological processes that I have encountered. Dawkins represents, to me, the high point of the scientist end; he does not pepper his books with interesting anecdotes and trivia, but concentrates on real theories and real dilemmas in science. But, I was amazed to read that humans share exactly the same number and types of bones with chimpanzees, the same chemicals in our brains. The final chapters that discuss genetic determinism, eugenics, and nature vs nurture are treated with upmost care, empathy, and altogether brilliant writing.Well written, with some anecdotal smatterings which always lighten the mood in popular science books as long as they are not overdone. The book, while informative and intellectually stimulating, encourages us to ask very difficult questions that result from such issues. The theory of genetic conflict and evolution is debated using the rhetorical question, are we bodies containing genes, or genes in bodies? Two ways genes affect personality and behavior are through the production of dopamine and serotonin and their receptors.

I discovered that many countries - including the US and the UK - took significant steps towards developing and supporting eugenic customs and laws in the 20's and 30's. This really helped me to figure out a bit more about what I would be studying and gave me something interesting to talk about in my interview. Questions that will profoundly impact the way we think about disease, about longevity, and about free will. I had always found genetics interesting at school; I thought it was amazing how genes could act as the instructions for life. Matt Ridley's books have been shortlisted for six literary awards, including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize (for Genome: The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters).If there’s anything to criticize it is an over use of something to the effect of “to go through all of this would bore you to tears, but I just want to show you this little bit because…” – but that is a very minor moan. On the other hand increased productivity and nutrition can save many lives particularly in developing countries. He cites studies comparing the disparate outcomes of biological and adopted children of abusers to make his case. The mind becomes anxious, say because of an impending exam, and this causes the body to release the hormone cortisol.