Genetics: A Conceptual Approach

With Genetics: A Conceptual Approach, Ben Pierce brings a master teacher’s experiences to the introductory genetics textbook, clarifying this complex subject by focusing on the big picture of genetics concepts and how those concepts connect to one another. The new edition continues the Pierce tradition of pedagogical excellence and scientific currency. In addition, it features a new digital component, SaplingPlus, combining Sapling’s acclaimed online homework with an extensive suite of interactive learning resources and course management features.

Benjamin Pierce received a B.S. in Biology from Southern Methodist University and a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado. Ben is currently Professor of Biology and holder of the Lillian Nelson Pratt Chair at Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX. He is a population geneticist who conducts ecological and evolutionary research on amphibians. Ben has authored a number of articles in research journals and several books, including: The Family Genetics Sourcebook, a guide to genetics for the layperson; Genetics: A Conceptual Approach, a general genetics textbook; Genetics Essentials: Concepts and Connections, a brief genetics textbook; and Transmission and Population Genetics: A Short Course, a textbook for courses in transmission and population genetics.  Ben is a member of the steering committee of the 21st Century Science Coalition, a group of scientists who support strong science standards for Texas public schools. He is the President of the Texas Academy of Science, is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi, and is a Fellow of the Texas Academy of Science. He currently serves on the editorial board of Bioscience. He has received research and teaching grants from the Natural Science Foundation, the W. M. Keck Foundation, the 3M Foundation, the National Park Service, the Williamson County Conservation Foundation, and the National Geographic Society.

1. Introduction to Genetics
2. Chromosomes and Cellular Reproduction
3. Basic Principles of Heredity
4. Sex Determination and Sex-Linked Characteristics
5. Extensions and Modifications of Basic Principles
6. Pedigree Analysis, Applications, and Genetic Testing
7. Linkage, Recombination, and Eukaryotic Gene Mapping
8. Chromosome Variation
9. Bacterial and Viral Genetic Systems
10. DNA: The Chemical Nature of the Gene
11. Chromosome Structure and Organelle DNA
12. DNA Replication and Recombination
13. Transcription
14. RNA Molecules and RNA Processing
15. The Genetic Code and Translation
16. Control of Gene Expression in Prokaryotes
17. Control of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes
18. Gene Mutations and DNA Repair
19. Molecular Genetic Analysis and Biotechnology
20. Genomics and Proteomics
21. Epigenetics
22. Developmental Genetics and Immunogenetics
23. Cancer Genetics
24. Quantitative Genetics
25. Population Genetics
26. Evolutionary Genetics Reference Guide to Model Genetic Organisms