Lasers. Tools of Modern Technology

Watson and Crick (1953), and Kornberg (1967). The author assumes no prior knowledge. For example when discussing the observations of Meselson and Stahl not only does he include the usual symbolic illustrations of semiconservative DNA replication, but also a figure of equilibrium density gradient centrifugation. Each chapter ends with a summary of the observations presented which answer the original questions. There is some sacrifice in depth as the author covers in the last 100 pages, protein synthesis, the genetic code, the molecular structure of the gene, and the regulation of gene action. He effectively bridges the semantic gap of terminology derived from classical breeding experiments and modern molecular studies by describing the actual experiments. The book ends with continued momentum and excitement outlining some unresolved problems and prognosticating on the application of genetic principles to the welfare of mankind. In summary, the book fulfills its promise to introduce the entire field of genetics.