Mitchell, Megan

This timely volume explores the world of one of the most controversial scientific advances in modern history, the design and production of genetically engineered plants. Readers will examine the ways in which humans interact with and manipulate the natural environment, from the earliest origins of agriculture to the discovery of the universal genetic code to the possibilities of ending world hunger. Throughout the text, readers will find in-depth explanations of complex theories of heredity and of modern genetic engineering technology, while being invited to consider the ethical questions that underlie this great discovery.

"This . . . volume explores the world of one of the . . . controversial scientific advances in modern history, the design and production of genetically engineered plants. Readers will examine the ways in which humans interact with and manipulate the natural environment, from the earliest origins of agriculture to the discovery of the universal genetic code to the possibilities of ending world hunger. Throughout the text, readers will find . . . explanations of complex theories of heredity and of modern genetic engineering technology, while being invited to consider the ethical questions that underlie this . . . discovery"--Provided by publisher.

"Explores the science and the history behind the specific sequences in our DNA that make us human. Reaching all the way back to the 1850s when Gregor Mendel used his pea plant experiments to solve the mystery of trait inheritance, this book maps out each theory that laid the groundwork to piece together who we are and why ... [and] looks at the important medical advances this knowledge has gained us and the social issues surrounding them"--Provided by publisher.