This is Nessa Carey’s second book and, like her first (The Epigenetics Revolution), it leads the reader into scientific territory that is unfamiliar: As far as I know, this is the first book for the non-specialist reader on Junk DNA. Also like her first book, it is a model for the careful presentation of complex details.
Junk DNA was originally defined as DNA that does not code for proteins (and this is the definition that Dr. Carey uses). According to that definition, 98% of human DNA is Junk and, indeed, was at one time thought to have no function. However, for some time, hints have been showing up in the scientific literature for the general reader that at least some Junk DNA is functional. In this book, Dr. Carey, presents a detailed account of what we know at present about the function of Junk DNA and its consequences. Most of her discussion is built around cases in which mutations in Junk DNA have occurred (or been inherited) resulting in severe medical conditions. She illustrates her often complex examples with simple analogies and helpful diagrams. I cannot say that I followed all of them the first time through but I am confident that, with more application on my part, I would be able to do so.
These are relatively early days in the field of Junk DNA: It is not yet known how much carries a function and how much does not. However, Dr. Carey’s book makes it clear that, although not coding for proteins, much of our Junk DNA does perform a large variety of complex and critically important functions. Indeed, it may be that it is responsible for the complexity of Homo sapiens and other contemporary species.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2015
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2019
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2018
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2020
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2015
Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2019
Top reviews from other countries
Johan Ajnabi
The adventurous world of about 98% of the genome!
Reviewed in India on August 13, 2018
Johan Ajnabi
Reviewed in India on August 13, 2018
I've bought these two books after watching a seminar presented by Nessa Carey, the writer of these two masterpieces. I found the other book so intriguing that I spent several sleepless nights on reading this one followed by getting print outs of the reference articles and going through them along with two more text books to get more of this topic. Moved by the piculiarity and the adventure of a largely unexplored field of Epigenetics, now I am preparing to deliver my credit seminar on this subject. And now I've started reading this book. I swear, like the other one, no matter from what academic background you are from, you'll feel the charm of it as the way it has been written is so lucid and from very basic level that it is easily understandable by everyone. All I can say, this is the "must have book" to command over this subject.
Images in this review
A German Amazon Customer
Darauf habe ich gewartet !!
Reviewed in Germany on September 2, 2017
