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Understanding Genetics: DNA, Genes, and Their Real-World Applications
We use DNA routinely - to cure diseases, solve crimes, and reunite families. Yet we've known about it for only 60 years. And what we're continuing to learn about it every day has the potential to transform our health, our nutrition, our society, and our future.
But what, exactly, is DNA, the self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms? You'll learn the answer - and much more - in this briskly paced series of 24 easily understood lectures from an award-winning teacher, author, and scientist. Professor Sadava unlocks DNA's mysteries as he explains what the science of genetics is and guides you through decades of cutting-edge research, scientific discovery, and genetics' weighty implications for us as individuals and as a society. Professor Sadava draws on examples from his own research to show how understanding genetics allows us to improve medical treatment and nutrition, vastly improving our health and quality of life.
You'll also learn how understanding genetics is a critical step toward understanding human identity, itself. For examining our DNA - how it works and what happens when something goes wrong - enables us to see the roots of how our bodies work, why we get sick, and how traits are passed through families.
Enjoy this rare opportunity to peer over the shoulder of a working scientist, learning how he puzzles through the problems of genetics to find meaningful, real-world solutions that can not only save an individual life but also enhance the quality of life for everyone.
But what, exactly, is DNA, the self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms? You'll learn the answer - and much more - in this briskly paced series of 24 easily understood lectures from an award-winning teacher, author, and scientist. Professor Sadava unlocks DNA's mysteries as he explains what the science of genetics is and guides you through decades of cutting-edge research, scientific discovery, and genetics' weighty implications for us as individuals and as a society. Professor Sadava draws on examples from his own research to show how understanding genetics allows us to improve medical treatment and nutrition, vastly improving our health and quality of life.
You'll also learn how understanding genetics is a critical step toward understanding human identity, itself. For examining our DNA - how it works and what happens when something goes wrong - enables us to see the roots of how our bodies work, why we get sick, and how traits are passed through families.
Enjoy this rare opportunity to peer over the shoulder of a working scientist, learning how he puzzles through the problems of genetics to find meaningful, real-world solutions that can not only save an individual life but also enhance the quality of life for everyone.
Audio CD
First published January 28, 2008
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About the author
David E. Sadava
128 books4 followersDavid E. Sadava is the Pritzker Family Foundation Professor of Biology, Emeritus, at the Keck Science Center of Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps, three of The Claremont Colleges. In addition, he is Adjunct Professor of Cancer Cell Biology at the City of Hope Medical Center. Twice winner of the Huntoon Award for superior teaching, Dr. Sadava has taught courses on introductory biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, plant biology, and cancer biology. In addition to Life: The Science of Biology, he is the author or coauthor of books on cell biology and on plants, genes, and crop biotechnology. His research has resulted in many papers coauthored with his students, on topics ranging from plant biochemistry to pharmacology of narcotic analgesics to human genetic diseases.
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April 23, 2015
These are 24 lectures about genetics, an area of science that has advanced much in recent years with the acquiring of knowledge about genes, chromosomes, and DNA. This is an area of science that I'm probably least informed, so I should have learned much from the listening to these lectures. But I still don't feel prepared to take a test on the subject. There were many esoteric terms used in these lectures that sort of floated in my one ear and out the other. Nevertheless, the lecturer, David Sadava, made each lecture interesting and engaging by beginning each lecture with a human interest story. That story then lead into a field of genetics that was the subject of that lecture.
In the first lectures Sadava describes what genetics is, how Mendel and other early scientists described the rules of inheritance. This led to the identification of what a gene is, DNA, and how it works expressing itself usually as protein in the cell. With these basics of descriptive genetics in hand he described how this knowledge has been applied to human use in the biotechnology industry from making products to solving crimes including cleaning up the environment. Modern genetics is finding out more about the amazing array of organisms and how they are related to one another and even how we as humans may have evolved over time. Genetics and DNA are having a growing impact on medicine with precise molecular descriptions of genetic causes of disease in hand we’re now able to diagnose and screen for people with these particular diseases. And we are just beginning to design specific treatments. Things like gene therapy, cloning and stem cells are at the leading edge of modern medicine and hold great promise for the future. The course ended with agriculture, that other application of biology to human welfare that many of us take for granted. The applications of modern genetics and DNA to the problem of feeding the world are already profound. And an exciting future is possible.
When dealing with complicated DNA codes and tiny biological cells, how does one go about taking corrective action on needed genetic modifications? This is an aspect of genetic engineering that I find fascinating. Scientists have learned how to use viruses to be the messengers and workers to penetrate cells and do repair work as needed. Usually, we think of viruses as being the unwanted cause of disease. But they can be modified to be the doers of good things. Viruses are simple enough to allow them to be manipulated and caused to enter into cancer cells and make them vulnerable to the human immune system. Or they can add missing DNA sequences where they're needed to repair genetic defects. We will probably witness significant advances in this technology in the coming years. I'm looking forward to a future when today's chemotherapy methods will be considered barbaric and primitive.
The following are descriptions of the respective lectures copied from the publisher's webpage.
1. Our Inheritance
From earliest history, humans have bred plants and animals for desirable and productive characteristics. And they have wondered how it all works. Professor Sadava gives us a brief, fascinating history of genetics and introduces us to the three major unifying ideas in biological science, ideas which form the cornerstone of this course.
2. Mendel and Genes
Monk and scientist Gregor Mendel, working in the late 1800s, learned through pea-plant experiments that each parent's characteristics were particulate, that is, chemically independent. His meticulous research—the beginning of modern genetics—languished for nearly 40 years before its value was discovered.
3. Genes and Chromosomes
Where do you find a gene? Within each living cell is a nucleus, within the nucleus is a chromosome, and on that chromosome is the gene. Beginning with the cell, the unit of biological continuity, this lecture describes the physical and chemical environment of the gene. It shows us that you don't have to be a geneticist to figure out genetics, as a group of rabbis in A.D. 500 learned.
4. The Search for the Gene—DNA
How did research on smoking and lung cancer help scientists figure out that DNA, the genetic material, was damaged in the tumor cells? Professor Sadava tells us how scientists first determined what they were looking for and then found the circumstantial evidence that pointed to DNA.
5. DNA Structure and Replication
The double helix model for DNA is one of the most recognizable scientific icons of our time. This lecture details how Watson and Crick built on the work of earlier researchers to solve the puzzle of the structure of DNA—the double helix.
6. DNA Expression in Proteins
Proteins are made up of chains of 20 amino acids ordered in a particular sequence for each protein. Humans cannot produce eight of those 20 amino acids, although we still need them for proper nutrition. Professor Sadava explains what proteins are, how they relate to DNA, and why they're significant to us.
7. Genes, Enzymes, and Metabolism
Enzymes, which are encoded in our genes, are responsible for most chemical conversions in our bodies. An enzyme sends a signal that creates a biochemical pathway for the process of changing something we consume into something else we need or must get rid of. This lecture explains how metabolism is hard-wired into our gene.
8. From DNA to Protein
In 2004 traces of a poison called ricin were found in a U.S. Senate mailroom. Only 1/10,000 of an ounce of ricin can be fatal. Ricin's enzymes inhibit gene expression; as a result, when ricin is introduced to animal cells, the cells die. This lecture explains how gene expression happens.
9. Genomes
The 24,000 genes that are expressed in humans represent only 2 percent of the entire genome. This lecture explains the history of the Human Genome Project, which grew out of scientists' studies on the effects of radiation on the survivors of the atom bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
10. Manipulating Genes—Recombinant DNA
By studying how bacteria successfully protect themselves from an attacking virus, scientists discovered that bacteria make an enzyme that recognizes a particular DNA sequence in the virus and cuts the DNA strand at that sequence. As a result of this discovery, scientists learned to splice DNA, creating recombinant DNA, which was initially controversial and now holds vast possibilities for the future.
11. Isolating Genes and DNA
Learn how genetics is used to understand and work toward the cure of a particular disease. After methods for analyzing DNA and chromosomes were developed rapidly in the 1980s, the scientific community tried a new approach called reverse genetics. As a result of this work, scientists isolated the gene that is missing in individuals who have muscular dystrophy.
12. Biotechnology—Genetic Engineering
Insulin that treated individuals with diabetes, whose bodies don't create insulin (or enough of it) on their own, used to come from animals. Animal insulin, however, contains a different sequence of amino acids, so some people's bodies rejected it. The method of manufacturing insulin developed at a California hospital is how all insulin used to treat diabetics is now made.
13. Biotechnology and the Environment
We can use bacteria to solve man-made problems, such as landmines, oil spills, toxic waste, and pollution. Scientists are working to genetically engineer organisms whose traits can be useful in cleaning up our world.
14. Manipulating DNA by PCR and Other Methods
What's the real science behind the dinosaurs that come to life in the movie Jurassic Park? Professor Sadava explains how scientists extract DNA from fossils, and what we can learn about ancient creatures from their genes. This lecture also covers DNA sequencing methods.
15. DNA in Identification—Forensics
In the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, hundreds of children were separated from their parents. When several couples were claiming one baby as their own, DNA testing enabled doctors to reunite the real parents with their baby. This kind of testing is frequently used in crime-solving today.
16. DNA and Evolution
Charles Darwin's travels to the Galapagos Islands helped him understand that different species come from a common ancestor. This lecture explains the genetic components of Darwin's theories.
17. DNA and Human Evolution
Sickle cell disease is more frequently found in African Americans than in Caucasians. After studying this incurable condition, scientists discovered that carriers of sickle cell disease were resistant to malaria, a far more life-threatening sickness. Why? In this lecture, Professor Sadava explores the role of genetic adaptation in human evolution.
18. Molecular Medicine—Genetic Screening
How do scientists detect particular genes that cause certain diseases? Professor Sadava details chemical processes used for genetic screening, and gives several examples of successful genetic tests and results. He describes testing for the effects of genes on drug susceptibility as the next frontier in screening technology.
19. Molecular Medicine—The Immune System
George Washington stemmed a smallpox epidemic by ordering his soldiers to be inoculated during an outbreak. Fifty years earlier, the slave Onesimus had advised Cotton Mather, the Puritan minister, of the practice in his homeland of rubbing dried pus from a smallpox carrier onto a cut of a healthy person. This process created antibodies that resisted the disease. Professor Sadava uses these illustrations to explain how our cells fight disease.
20. Molecular Medicine—Cancer
Cancer develops when cells lose control over their normally regulated reproduction. Only 10 percent of cancers are inherited, but it is a genetic disease. This lecture explains how cancer cells are created and how they can be treated.
21. Molecular Medicine—Gene Therapy
So far gene therapy—the process of adding protein-coding DNA and a promoter sequence for its expression to an organism for medical benefit—has experienced some success in animals and small gains in humans. Professor Sadava shares cutting-edge research and experimentation.
22. Molecular Medicine—Cloning and Stem Cells
Stem cells and cloning are both controversial topics in the news. How do they really work? What is the science behind these genetic procedures, and what are their implications for us?
23. Genetics and Agriculture
Just three crops—corn, rice, and wheat—make up two-thirds of the world's food supply. Learn in this lecture how genetic experimentation on grains has resulted in significant increases in crop yields, which has meaningful ramifications for feeding the world's hungry.
24 Biotechnology and Agriculture
Changes in our environment affect the plants we grow and thus the food we eat. Biotechnology has enabled us to manipulate plants to adapt to different conditions, such as tomatoes that grow in salty soil. This final lecture explores the opportunities and controversies surrounding genetically modified plants.
In the first lectures Sadava describes what genetics is, how Mendel and other early scientists described the rules of inheritance. This led to the identification of what a gene is, DNA, and how it works expressing itself usually as protein in the cell. With these basics of descriptive genetics in hand he described how this knowledge has been applied to human use in the biotechnology industry from making products to solving crimes including cleaning up the environment. Modern genetics is finding out more about the amazing array of organisms and how they are related to one another and even how we as humans may have evolved over time. Genetics and DNA are having a growing impact on medicine with precise molecular descriptions of genetic causes of disease in hand we’re now able to diagnose and screen for people with these particular diseases. And we are just beginning to design specific treatments. Things like gene therapy, cloning and stem cells are at the leading edge of modern medicine and hold great promise for the future. The course ended with agriculture, that other application of biology to human welfare that many of us take for granted. The applications of modern genetics and DNA to the problem of feeding the world are already profound. And an exciting future is possible.
When dealing with complicated DNA codes and tiny biological cells, how does one go about taking corrective action on needed genetic modifications? This is an aspect of genetic engineering that I find fascinating. Scientists have learned how to use viruses to be the messengers and workers to penetrate cells and do repair work as needed. Usually, we think of viruses as being the unwanted cause of disease. But they can be modified to be the doers of good things. Viruses are simple enough to allow them to be manipulated and caused to enter into cancer cells and make them vulnerable to the human immune system. Or they can add missing DNA sequences where they're needed to repair genetic defects. We will probably witness significant advances in this technology in the coming years. I'm looking forward to a future when today's chemotherapy methods will be considered barbaric and primitive.
The following are descriptions of the respective lectures copied from the publisher's webpage.
1. Our Inheritance
From earliest history, humans have bred plants and animals for desirable and productive characteristics. And they have wondered how it all works. Professor Sadava gives us a brief, fascinating history of genetics and introduces us to the three major unifying ideas in biological science, ideas which form the cornerstone of this course.
2. Mendel and Genes
Monk and scientist Gregor Mendel, working in the late 1800s, learned through pea-plant experiments that each parent's characteristics were particulate, that is, chemically independent. His meticulous research—the beginning of modern genetics—languished for nearly 40 years before its value was discovered.
3. Genes and Chromosomes
Where do you find a gene? Within each living cell is a nucleus, within the nucleus is a chromosome, and on that chromosome is the gene. Beginning with the cell, the unit of biological continuity, this lecture describes the physical and chemical environment of the gene. It shows us that you don't have to be a geneticist to figure out genetics, as a group of rabbis in A.D. 500 learned.
4. The Search for the Gene—DNA
How did research on smoking and lung cancer help scientists figure out that DNA, the genetic material, was damaged in the tumor cells? Professor Sadava tells us how scientists first determined what they were looking for and then found the circumstantial evidence that pointed to DNA.
5. DNA Structure and Replication
The double helix model for DNA is one of the most recognizable scientific icons of our time. This lecture details how Watson and Crick built on the work of earlier researchers to solve the puzzle of the structure of DNA—the double helix.
6. DNA Expression in Proteins
Proteins are made up of chains of 20 amino acids ordered in a particular sequence for each protein. Humans cannot produce eight of those 20 amino acids, although we still need them for proper nutrition. Professor Sadava explains what proteins are, how they relate to DNA, and why they're significant to us.
7. Genes, Enzymes, and Metabolism
Enzymes, which are encoded in our genes, are responsible for most chemical conversions in our bodies. An enzyme sends a signal that creates a biochemical pathway for the process of changing something we consume into something else we need or must get rid of. This lecture explains how metabolism is hard-wired into our gene.
8. From DNA to Protein
In 2004 traces of a poison called ricin were found in a U.S. Senate mailroom. Only 1/10,000 of an ounce of ricin can be fatal. Ricin's enzymes inhibit gene expression; as a result, when ricin is introduced to animal cells, the cells die. This lecture explains how gene expression happens.
9. Genomes
The 24,000 genes that are expressed in humans represent only 2 percent of the entire genome. This lecture explains the history of the Human Genome Project, which grew out of scientists' studies on the effects of radiation on the survivors of the atom bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
10. Manipulating Genes—Recombinant DNA
By studying how bacteria successfully protect themselves from an attacking virus, scientists discovered that bacteria make an enzyme that recognizes a particular DNA sequence in the virus and cuts the DNA strand at that sequence. As a result of this discovery, scientists learned to splice DNA, creating recombinant DNA, which was initially controversial and now holds vast possibilities for the future.
11. Isolating Genes and DNA
Learn how genetics is used to understand and work toward the cure of a particular disease. After methods for analyzing DNA and chromosomes were developed rapidly in the 1980s, the scientific community tried a new approach called reverse genetics. As a result of this work, scientists isolated the gene that is missing in individuals who have muscular dystrophy.
12. Biotechnology—Genetic Engineering
Insulin that treated individuals with diabetes, whose bodies don't create insulin (or enough of it) on their own, used to come from animals. Animal insulin, however, contains a different sequence of amino acids, so some people's bodies rejected it. The method of manufacturing insulin developed at a California hospital is how all insulin used to treat diabetics is now made.
13. Biotechnology and the Environment
We can use bacteria to solve man-made problems, such as landmines, oil spills, toxic waste, and pollution. Scientists are working to genetically engineer organisms whose traits can be useful in cleaning up our world.
14. Manipulating DNA by PCR and Other Methods
What's the real science behind the dinosaurs that come to life in the movie Jurassic Park? Professor Sadava explains how scientists extract DNA from fossils, and what we can learn about ancient creatures from their genes. This lecture also covers DNA sequencing methods.
15. DNA in Identification—Forensics
In the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, hundreds of children were separated from their parents. When several couples were claiming one baby as their own, DNA testing enabled doctors to reunite the real parents with their baby. This kind of testing is frequently used in crime-solving today.
16. DNA and Evolution
Charles Darwin's travels to the Galapagos Islands helped him understand that different species come from a common ancestor. This lecture explains the genetic components of Darwin's theories.
17. DNA and Human Evolution
Sickle cell disease is more frequently found in African Americans than in Caucasians. After studying this incurable condition, scientists discovered that carriers of sickle cell disease were resistant to malaria, a far more life-threatening sickness. Why? In this lecture, Professor Sadava explores the role of genetic adaptation in human evolution.
18. Molecular Medicine—Genetic Screening
How do scientists detect particular genes that cause certain diseases? Professor Sadava details chemical processes used for genetic screening, and gives several examples of successful genetic tests and results. He describes testing for the effects of genes on drug susceptibility as the next frontier in screening technology.
19. Molecular Medicine—The Immune System
George Washington stemmed a smallpox epidemic by ordering his soldiers to be inoculated during an outbreak. Fifty years earlier, the slave Onesimus had advised Cotton Mather, the Puritan minister, of the practice in his homeland of rubbing dried pus from a smallpox carrier onto a cut of a healthy person. This process created antibodies that resisted the disease. Professor Sadava uses these illustrations to explain how our cells fight disease.
20. Molecular Medicine—Cancer
Cancer develops when cells lose control over their normally regulated reproduction. Only 10 percent of cancers are inherited, but it is a genetic disease. This lecture explains how cancer cells are created and how they can be treated.
21. Molecular Medicine—Gene Therapy
So far gene therapy—the process of adding protein-coding DNA and a promoter sequence for its expression to an organism for medical benefit—has experienced some success in animals and small gains in humans. Professor Sadava shares cutting-edge research and experimentation.
22. Molecular Medicine—Cloning and Stem Cells
Stem cells and cloning are both controversial topics in the news. How do they really work? What is the science behind these genetic procedures, and what are their implications for us?
23. Genetics and Agriculture
Just three crops—corn, rice, and wheat—make up two-thirds of the world's food supply. Learn in this lecture how genetic experimentation on grains has resulted in significant increases in crop yields, which has meaningful ramifications for feeding the world's hungry.
24 Biotechnology and Agriculture
Changes in our environment affect the plants we grow and thus the food we eat. Biotechnology has enabled us to manipulate plants to adapt to different conditions, such as tomatoes that grow in salty soil. This final lecture explores the opportunities and controversies surrounding genetically modified plants.
June 2, 2017
Fantastic course! One of the best Great Courses! I tried to understand genetics many times before, and I never could. He explained the subject in such a way that I finally understood so many aspects of it that I'd never thought I would comprehend! Plus, Professor Sadava has a great sense of humor, which he sprinkles throughout the course! A wonderful class for anyone with basic scientific understanding!
January 5, 2016
"I'm fascinated by the idea that genetics is digital. A gene is a long sequence of coded letters, like computer information. Modern biology is becoming very much a branch of information technology."
Richard Dawkins
Starting new year challenge with genetics? Does it feels bizarre for some of you?! Well, I adore this particular part of science. The reason? Because of the effect on my brain! Joining professor Sadava on lecture about human machine blueprint will cause your neurons sparkle like a fireworks on both left and right hemispheres in same time, making your corpus callosum totally clogged while catching yourself in letting out sounds of epiphany...like ahhaa or wooww!! On concise and easy to grasp way, professor Sadava will definitely solve all your issues you ever had with comprehending genetics! You know, Nature could use just binary to code for proteins as you'll see two "letter" would be enough, but, mother Nature will never let anything to chance... for any case, it uses 4 digit system! Professor Sadava will do same way! When finished, you'll have acquired all the basics, you'll feel differently and will craving for more! Believe me, you'll never be the same person again. :)
Richard Dawkins
Starting new year challenge with genetics? Does it feels bizarre for some of you?! Well, I adore this particular part of science. The reason? Because of the effect on my brain! Joining professor Sadava on lecture about human machine blueprint will cause your neurons sparkle like a fireworks on both left and right hemispheres in same time, making your corpus callosum totally clogged while catching yourself in letting out sounds of epiphany...like ahhaa or wooww!! On concise and easy to grasp way, professor Sadava will definitely solve all your issues you ever had with comprehending genetics! You know, Nature could use just binary to code for proteins as you'll see two "letter" would be enough, but, mother Nature will never let anything to chance... for any case, it uses 4 digit system! Professor Sadava will do same way! When finished, you'll have acquired all the basics, you'll feel differently and will craving for more! Believe me, you'll never be the same person again. :)
February 20, 2017
I was going to give this 2 stars because of its complete lack of inclusion of epigenetics. There is just no excuse for such an exclusion in the 2000s. Even if your lecture series is narrow in its scope, as many lecture series are, you cannot leave out such important and updated scientific information that is essential if anyone is to truly understand the subject matter presented. Trying to understand genes and their expression without at least minimally discussing the role of epigenetics is tantamount to teaching this course in the 1970s, even with all the cool updated info on biotech.
I decided at the very end to give this lecture series 3 stars because it does a fantastic job of discussing GMOs. If you have already taken Bio101 and you don't need more of an education on GMOs or new biotech practices in medicine, you can skip this series. If you have never learned anything about genes, I would suggest finding another series or book that includes both genetics and epigenetics when discussing the advances being made in the modern world. There are better books and series out there. Go find them.
I decided at the very end to give this lecture series 3 stars because it does a fantastic job of discussing GMOs. If you have already taken Bio101 and you don't need more of an education on GMOs or new biotech practices in medicine, you can skip this series. If you have never learned anything about genes, I would suggest finding another series or book that includes both genetics and epigenetics when discussing the advances being made in the modern world. There are better books and series out there. Go find them.
June 23, 2016
An excellent resource when it comes to learning about genetics, DNA, and the implications of genetic science for us 'normal humans' who aren't actual cellular biologists. Well-presented, and on a topic that virtually anybody ought to know more about. Highly recommended.
May 19, 2015
Great lectures, very informative. Good intro information and delivered in a very engaging manner. Still a tough, complex subject for me to grapple but I learned quite a bit.
September 30, 2021
This is a pretty comprehensive course in genetics. I had just two issues with this though:
1. The lessons on biochemical pathways and recombinant DNA onwards went over my head. I don't have a biology background and I would like to go through a pre-requisite course to understand this better.
2. The course was published in 2008. The kind of advances that have been made in this field since then are tantalizing in their absence in this course.
1. The lessons on biochemical pathways and recombinant DNA onwards went over my head. I don't have a biology background and I would like to go through a pre-requisite course to understand this better.
2. The course was published in 2008. The kind of advances that have been made in this field since then are tantalizing in their absence in this course.
March 15, 2015
It's jam packed with interesting facts about genetics.
That said, it is very general. It touches on defining genetics, the history of genetics, and genetics in medicine, agriculture, politics and the future.
It's almost like an encyclopedia except much more difficult to navigate.
If you want a book that you "just can't put down" this is not the book for you. It's not an easy read, and there are more engaging books about genetics out there, but it did teach me a lot.
That said, it is very general. It touches on defining genetics, the history of genetics, and genetics in medicine, agriculture, politics and the future.
It's almost like an encyclopedia except much more difficult to navigate.
If you want a book that you "just can't put down" this is not the book for you. It's not an easy read, and there are more engaging books about genetics out there, but it did teach me a lot.
July 28, 2015
I enjoyed the heck out of these lectures on Genetics and DNA. I've come to an interest in science fairly late in life, but now my curiosity is endless and I have loved learning about how the world and our bodies work. Dr. Sadava is an extremely knowledgeable and entertaining lecturer (his voice and his expressions are very Seinfeldian).
I listened to this while I was doing my hair & makeup every morning and by golly, when I was ready, I was both smarter and better looking.
I listened to this while I was doing my hair & makeup every morning and by golly, when I was ready, I was both smarter and better looking.
January 25, 2016
Loved it! Read it! Learned a lot! Will have to study more.
July 17, 2015
Good, clear introductory lectures on Genetics.
January 15, 2023
As a nonbiology major, I have read several popular science books and lectures to understand how DNAs and Genes work. “Understanding Genetics: DNA, Genes, And Their Real World Applications” by Sadava is by far the best material on the subject that I have encountered. The 24-lecture course has three parts: history of DNA discovery, working mechanisms of DNA, and applications of Genetics.
The course starts by recounting the discovery of DNA from Mendel. Instead of presenting the entire history of evolutional biology and molecular biology, the lectures focus on developing key concepts. Mendel’s experiments showed that inheritances are quantized: you either have the trait or not. This discovery suggests that genetic encodings are contained in discrete units and do not mix with each other. Later experiments and researches locate the genetic material inside the nucleus and chromosome. Finally, DNA structure and the protein-encoding and decoding mechanisms were discovered. The author combines excellent story-telling skills with a sharp focus on the main thread to make a captivating narrative. Furthermore, in later parts of the course, the author weaves in more stories about how various mechanisms were discovered and different techniques were developed. The history part of the course is not merely a mandatory introduction; it provides an intellectual framework and is an integral part of the education effort.
After taking readers to the discovery of DNA, the author went through details on the working of DNA and RNA. He starts by describing genes as DNA sequences following promotor sequences. He then explains how DNA replicates and expresses, all based on the magic property of base pairing. The author talks about the journey of developing various technologies for observing, sequencing, and manipulating DNAs. The technical explanations are excellent: they are clear, easy to understand, and further illustrated by examples and stories. Some of my confusion remains, especially on how gene expressions are controlled and how genes interact to form “clusters.” Maybe I missed some points, or perhaps the author intentionally left out some technical issues for clarity and simplicity. It would be helpful to me if the author explicitly identified the open questions. Nonetheless, I have learned more about the workings of DNA from this course than from other books I have read.
The last part of the course is on the application of genetic technologies. The author focuses on human DNA applications such as personal and family, population tracing and identification, disease diagnostic and screening, and gene therapy. The author then talks about some emerging technologies in agriculture, such as cloning and transgene techniques. The author mentions the controversies around these practices but does not venture into ethical and philosophical discussions. The technical details are well-tailored to the audience, and the narrative is accessible.
The book was published in 2013 and did not include the latest advancements, such as individualized medicine, CRISPR, and the mRNA vaccine. The author does not elaborate on practical challenges and the current status of some promising technologies, such as generic cancer therapy. The course is an excellent introduction to genetics and molecular biology. However, the readers need to do more homework to be well-versed in state-of-the-art.
The course starts by recounting the discovery of DNA from Mendel. Instead of presenting the entire history of evolutional biology and molecular biology, the lectures focus on developing key concepts. Mendel’s experiments showed that inheritances are quantized: you either have the trait or not. This discovery suggests that genetic encodings are contained in discrete units and do not mix with each other. Later experiments and researches locate the genetic material inside the nucleus and chromosome. Finally, DNA structure and the protein-encoding and decoding mechanisms were discovered. The author combines excellent story-telling skills with a sharp focus on the main thread to make a captivating narrative. Furthermore, in later parts of the course, the author weaves in more stories about how various mechanisms were discovered and different techniques were developed. The history part of the course is not merely a mandatory introduction; it provides an intellectual framework and is an integral part of the education effort.
After taking readers to the discovery of DNA, the author went through details on the working of DNA and RNA. He starts by describing genes as DNA sequences following promotor sequences. He then explains how DNA replicates and expresses, all based on the magic property of base pairing. The author talks about the journey of developing various technologies for observing, sequencing, and manipulating DNAs. The technical explanations are excellent: they are clear, easy to understand, and further illustrated by examples and stories. Some of my confusion remains, especially on how gene expressions are controlled and how genes interact to form “clusters.” Maybe I missed some points, or perhaps the author intentionally left out some technical issues for clarity and simplicity. It would be helpful to me if the author explicitly identified the open questions. Nonetheless, I have learned more about the workings of DNA from this course than from other books I have read.
The last part of the course is on the application of genetic technologies. The author focuses on human DNA applications such as personal and family, population tracing and identification, disease diagnostic and screening, and gene therapy. The author then talks about some emerging technologies in agriculture, such as cloning and transgene techniques. The author mentions the controversies around these practices but does not venture into ethical and philosophical discussions. The technical details are well-tailored to the audience, and the narrative is accessible.
The book was published in 2013 and did not include the latest advancements, such as individualized medicine, CRISPR, and the mRNA vaccine. The author does not elaborate on practical challenges and the current status of some promising technologies, such as generic cancer therapy. The course is an excellent introduction to genetics and molecular biology. However, the readers need to do more homework to be well-versed in state-of-the-art.
January 10, 2021
I was very torn with the rating.
Short: Very good covering of biotechnology. Lacking depth regarding genetics.
No gene modulation, some sentences excluded.
The lecturer does a good job, not making the topic of genetics to convoluded with enzyme names and many specifics, one might argue too good a job as getting some more details in molecular mechanisms involved in genes was my initial reason to pick up the course.
So does the course do justice to its title?
Do I understand genetics any better?
A little.
While even my highschool equivalent in german gave me a more detailed outlook on the particular processes of pcr and gene replication, this course refreshed some of these aspects. High level descriptions tho.
Where the merits of the course shone was in getting across a more general outlook of which is possible in modern biotechnology and why. The history and the reality.
Initially my expextations were so disappointed that I considered giving 2/3 stars, but the biotech oriented part was great ranging from applications in modern medicine(like immun therapy for cancer ) to agriculture.
I would recommend this course.
Still have to get a good course on gene modulation tho.
Short: Very good covering of biotechnology. Lacking depth regarding genetics.
No gene modulation, some sentences excluded.
The lecturer does a good job, not making the topic of genetics to convoluded with enzyme names and many specifics, one might argue too good a job as getting some more details in molecular mechanisms involved in genes was my initial reason to pick up the course.
So does the course do justice to its title?
Do I understand genetics any better?
A little.
While even my highschool equivalent in german gave me a more detailed outlook on the particular processes of pcr and gene replication, this course refreshed some of these aspects. High level descriptions tho.
Where the merits of the course shone was in getting across a more general outlook of which is possible in modern biotechnology and why. The history and the reality.
Initially my expextations were so disappointed that I considered giving 2/3 stars, but the biotech oriented part was great ranging from applications in modern medicine(like immun therapy for cancer ) to agriculture.
I would recommend this course.
Still have to get a good course on gene modulation tho.
August 2, 2019
This book starts very theoretical and technical but is just to have some base to then evolve into great practical applications, he explains the mechanism of genes, the evolution from independent bacteria, to crowds of interconnected organisms that depend on each other to generate all the proteins they need.
Then he gives a lot of examples related with health, from the simple insulin pills to balance the amount of sugar in the blood, to the imune system and organs transplantation.
And end with agricultural revolution, genetic modified foods/plants now can create their own pesticides, and adapt to new environments, like increasing the salt resistance on corn and wheat. It's amazing how he manage to keep out all the emotional and philosophical questions about the biology and just explained the science about it very deeply
Then he gives a lot of examples related with health, from the simple insulin pills to balance the amount of sugar in the blood, to the imune system and organs transplantation.
And end with agricultural revolution, genetic modified foods/plants now can create their own pesticides, and adapt to new environments, like increasing the salt resistance on corn and wheat. It's amazing how he manage to keep out all the emotional and philosophical questions about the biology and just explained the science about it very deeply
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April 3, 2020This is an amazingly informative book about all aspects of DNA, Genetics, Stem Cells, evolutionary theory and so much more. If science, forensics, and the history of modern medicine at all interests you then this might be a good book for you. I found it both fascinating as well as disconcerting to find out how recently all of these genetic experiments and information has been discovered. Is this a very dry, lecture based, text, yes. Of course this is relatively dry, however the enthusiasm of Sadava bleeds through. I never recommend listening to any of the Great Courses in one go, 12+ hours of science in a row can be very mind numbing. If you would like to take some time to learn something new, or enhance your knowledge/eliminate some misconceptions, then this is a great audiobook to start with.
December 31, 2023
In this series of audiobook lectures about DNA and its history, I learned a lot about what kind of effort has been done to get where we are, and as usual, pompously, we take them for granted. Religion bashes some findings because they are contrary to the belief, politicians use it as a hammer for everything when they don’t know what they are talking about, and people, they would rather stay in ignorance and when they get in trouble, as usual, they blame science for it. Throughout history, these things have happened many times and will continue to happen in the future as well. The purpose is always to cure all, and find all the answers, no matter how unreasonable that quest is.
September 15, 2019
I have the audio version from hoopla. this is the second great courses course i have taken. the lecture delivery style is better than even the most talented audio narration style and is conducive to retention. i googled and found a study guide pdf to download. it is a little clunky to navigate but handy to have.
i am currently on the 6th of 24 lectures. i am concurrently reading the ebook version of paul g. falkowsky's life's engines: how microbes made earth habitable.
i am currently on the 6th of 24 lectures. i am concurrently reading the ebook version of paul g. falkowsky's life's engines: how microbes made earth habitable.
August 8, 2020
This was pretty good for the early basics, but then began to be quite out of date (It's a 2008 course and a lot has changed) so I quit after 10 lectures. I had to dig into my memory vaults for some of the biochechemistry which I studied in college - a long time ago, which led me to start the Biochemistry and Microbiology course (2019) instead. This course is pretty old school, plain lectures with a helpful .pdf of each lecture's notes.
October 18, 2021
Качественные обзорные лекции.
Для тех кто слышал "про ГМО" но понятия не имеет что такое ДНК или гены, и уж точно не представляет, как и зачем их "модифицируют".
Генетическая база дана в абсолютно необходимом мин��муме.
"Вот был такой Мендель.." и "А Крик догадался что она свернута спиралью".
Основное содержание лекций - практические применения.
Для тех кто слышал "про ГМО" но понятия не имеет что такое ДНК или гены, и уж точно не представляет, как и зачем их "модифицируют".
Генетическая база дана в абсолютно необходимом мин��муме.
"Вот был такой Мендель.." и "А Крик догадался что она свернута спиралью".
Основное содержание лекций - практические применения.
May 9, 2021
The book turned out to be pretty informative and interesting, although I'd prefer more bias towards the fundamentals of genetics rather than its applications. Nevertheless, it was time well spent, and I managed to learn quite a few interesting nuggets.
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May 11, 2021Good stuff. I started with almost zero knowledge of biology or genetics, and now I feel pretty informed for a lay person.
I liked the overview of DNA technology, and the extremophiles were super cool to learn about.
I liked the overview of DNA technology, and the extremophiles were super cool to learn about.
May 16, 2025
Understanding Genetics: DNA, Genes, and Their Real World Applications by David Sadava is a very good introduction. Its a bit outdated, and I imagine there's a lot to add in an updated course, but it helps provide some solid grounding in the fundamentals.
June 21, 2019
Interesting material but very slow going. Needs to be read several times to fully embrace the various concepts.
October 8, 2020
Mostly good. Maybe a few too many Bible stories.
January 12, 2021
Another great read from great courses- interesting facts and figures, ideas and understandings. I enjoy genetics already so this was a great read for me!!
July 21, 2021
This is a really great lecture series. The professor makes the topics easy to understand even for someone not at all near this field of study. Very fascinating subject.
January 21, 2022
Really great book. It has helped me get a handle on the fundamentals of genetics, and I learned some really cool stuff along the way!
November 10, 2022
This is really a great book and David appears to be a great teacher. Thank you for making the effort to record these lectures.
April 28, 2024
Iš esmės apie genus, jų sudėtį, genetiką. Gal nemažai dalykų esame girdėję, tačiau viskas pateikiama nuosekliai ir sistemingai. Mokslo populiarinimas.
June 21, 2024
Used as a reference for research
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