The Thread of Life

Nowadays any mention of genetic engineering is likely to provoke a noticeable reaction, either in favour or against. In The Thread of Life: The Story of Genes and Genetic Engineering, Susan Aldridge gives an easy to read overview of this subject. The book was written over 10 years ago, before the debate became so polarised, and it's interesting to see how Aldridge is essentially in favour of genetic engineering, but still warns about the potential dangers.

The first part of the book looks at DNA - its discovery, its action in the cell, the sequencing of DNA and the role of DNA in evolution.

The second part of the book moves on to genetic engineering, in particular its use in treating human disease and aging. Part 3 looks at the wider uses of biotechnology, such as enzymes in our washing, increasing food yields and using microbes to mop up heavy metals. The final chapter is a short look at the future of ideas in genetics - whether reductionism will win out or complexity will be the order of the day.

The book doesn't go into any topic in great detail, and probably isn't the best book to inform readers of the pros and cons of genetic engineering, but it is very useful for the reader with limited knowledge of genetics who wants to learn about the subject.