The Human Genome By Ridley - 1617 Words

Matt Ridley’s, Genome is a novel consisting of 23 chapters, each corresponding to the human’s 23 chromosomes. Ridley unravels the human genome by discussing many biological concepts, controversial arguments and groundbreaking discoveries throughout history within the scientific community. Throughout this novel, Ridley makes sure to describe the history of the human genome and then go on to introduce discoveries, discussions and findings concerning the human species that led us to the knowledge we had at his present time of publication in 2001. These discussions range from the beginning of life, Luca and RNA World Hypothesis discussed in chapter one, to natural selection and immortality in chapter 14, to the concept of free will and the argument of nature versus nurture in his final chapter. These are all very important topics within the book because they help to establish bases for future scientific discoveries. Ridley is able to cover hundreds of years of scientific discovery within a short novel, while keeping the reader engaged and waiting to learn what comes next. Though he covers so many different topics within this novel, some of the most paramount topics would be those of the origins of life, the studies and findings of Gregor Mendel and the controversial, ever changing, and much-debated world of cloning. To begin this story of the genome, Ridley discussed the very origins of life on Earth. He began this discussion with the explanation of the Last UniversalShow MoreRelatedEssay about The Ethical Issues of Genetic Testing1430 Words   |  6 PagesEthical Issues of Genetic Testing      Ã‚   The Human Genome Project is the largest scientific endeavor undertaken since the Manhattan Project, and, as with the Manhattan Project, the completion of the Human Genome Project has brought to surface many moral and ethical issues concerning the use of the knowledge gained from the project. 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