An understanding of genetics is crucial to advancements in medicine, agriculture and many industries. The science of genetics includes the rules of inheritance in cells, individuals, populations and the molecular mechanisms by which genes control the growth, development and appearance of an organism. No area of biology can truly be appreciated or understood without an understanding of genetics because genes not only control cellular processes, they also determine the course of evolution.
Genetic concepts provide the framework for the study of modern biology. Numerous voluminous and in-depth books are available for students of genetics. However, bulky nature, high cost and incomprehensible language for new entrant in the field of genetics have been flaws of these books in our academic system. These limitations compel the students to depend on class notes . This is often detrimental to the students and the process of learning.
A textbook on 'Principles of Genetics' co-authored by Dr. Santosh V. Sawardekar: Associate Professor, Dr. B.S. Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli. Sangita S. Sawant: Working at Plant Biotechnology Center, Dr BS Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth and Dr. Sanjay G. Bhave: Head, Department of Agricultural Botany, Dr. B.S. Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth and published by International Book House, is primarily intended for the use of entry level undergraduate students of agricultural universities and botany students.
The book has coloured illustrations and the information in a concise manner so as to enable quick revision of topics in genetics which are otherwise complete but tried to make simple and understandable.
The book contains 24 chapters which deals with fundamental aspects of genetics, its history and scope, chromosomes, cell division, Mendel and his work/ laws of Mendel, gene interactions, multiple alleles, pleiotropism, quantitative and qualitative traits, multiple factor hypothesis, cytoplasmic inheritance, linkage, crossing over, chromosomal aberrations, DNA and RNA structure, synthesis, gene expression, mutation, sex determination ,sex linked and sex limited characters.with appropriate examples including glossary. Each chapter is closed by sets of good problems and references.
The book according to authors do not pretend to claim credit for any original contribution of the subject. Rather, it should be viewed as a concise collection and compilation of various topics from different books, scientific papers, journals, website etc, they point out.
Attempts have been made for easy understanding of genetic principles in concise form. The textbook provides a strong focus on problem solving throughout the text and helps students acquire the analytical tools they need to sparkle their problem-solving skills. The text can also be accompanied by an excellent student companion guide, providing more opportunity for additional practice and review. The users of this book will surely be benefited in keeping themselves abreast of the the fundamental and key aspects about plant genetics.
According to the book genetics has socio-economic contribution for human welfare. It is useful for analyzing potentialities of individuals already living as well as in predicting the trails in future generation from a given mating. It is useful for improvement of existing human race i.e. Eugenics.
It helps in the improvement of domestic animals and plants of economic importance by applying selective breeding e.g. hybrids in crops and animals. It is useful in improvement of health and intelligence also useful in the field of medicine i.e. diseases carried over from one generation to the other e.g. T.B, cancer, heart troubles, diabetes and haemophilia. While it can be used to avoid abnormalities and diseases as a preventive medicine, it is great asset to the parents and the teachers in understanding differences among children and to develop/ transmit traits like musical ability, facial features and mathematical aptitude etc.
It is useful in court cases involving dispute of parents as a tool for giving legal advise. Similarly, it also provide best solution to the problems of divorce, custody of children and estate. It is useful for removing false concept about heredity e.g. blood is the hereditary determiner. Oldest concept was accepted with various phrases such as blood will tell; blue blood, bloodline or bad blood, which are removed by studying chemical base of gene i.e. DNA and RNA.