Lee Tang 
Summary & Study Guide – The Gene 
An Intimate History

Why Does Genetics Matter for You?

This book is a summary of “The Gene: An Intimate History” by Siddhartha Mukherjee.

Genetics is at the frontiers of science today, and its impact is often misunderstood. The public is often misled by science fictions and remains largely in the dark as to the actual consequences of advances in the biotechnology and genetic engineering industries. Studying genetics can help you understand the economic, social, and ethical implications of these technologies.

This book chronicles the fascinating history of discovery in classical genetics, molecular genetics, genetic engineering, and the human genome project. It shows:

• How our genes and the environment define our identities and personalities;


• How genetic engineering technologies can be used to manufacture drugs safely; and


• How genetic diagnosis and gene therapies can be used to treat complex genetic diseases.

Did you know?

• What makes you unique


• Why some diseases run in your family


• Why you look like other members of your family


• Around nine in ten diseases arise because of genetic defects


• What is the Human Genome Project and why is it important


• What are transgenic animals


• What is stem-cell technology and why are they important


• How biotech companies manufacture human hormones


• 85-90 percent of genetic diversity occurs within races and only 7 percent between racial groups


• Homosexuality may be genetic


• Mental illnesses may be hereditary


• Human behavior and intelligence are influenced by your genes

Genetics can also help you understand your own health. Residing in your body, genes carry instructions to make all the proteins it needs to grow and survive. Defective genes can produce dysfunctional proteins that cause illnesses. By studying each of these genes, scientists can diagnose, treat, prevent, and cure diseases caused by bad genes.

Read this book to understand the key concepts of genetics and the economic, social, and ethical implications of genetic engineering technologies.
This guide includes:

• Book Summary —The summary helps you understand the key ideas and recommendations.


• Online Videos —On-demand replay of public lectures, and seminars on the topics covered in the chapter.

Value-added of this guide:

• Save time


• Understand key concepts


• Expand your knowledge