What is DNA?

A humorous introduction to DNA and genetics, helping children find out what they are made of!

DNA is the building block of all life. This book helps children aged 8 plus understand the structure of the DNA chemical, how it works inside the body, how life began on Earth and how all living things are connected by their DNA. With Nigel Baines' hilarious cartoons, the book explores topics such as why some of us really don't like Brussel sprouts - and why some of us love them!; what came first - the chicken or the egg?; and how DNA can solve crimes and make our lives better.

Contents: The Great Discovery! / The Code Breakers and the Machines Inside Our Bodies / Babies Come with Instructions / Is it Good to Mix Up Our DNA? / How are Twins Made? / How Did Life on Earth Begin? / What Came First - the Chicken or the Egg? / Are We 50% a Mushroom?/ Is Grandad Really a Dinosaur?/ Why Don't I Like Vegetables?/ How Did I Get Ginger Hair?/ How Much Do Our Genes Affect Us?/ Spot a Relative After 500 Years!/ Traffic Lights - Red! Green! Blue?/ Gene On, Gene Off/ DNA That Makes Diseases / Who Did It!? / Who Is In Charge? / Your DNA: Our Story / Take the DNA Quiz

Julian Barwell (Author)

Professor Julian Barwell is a medical doctor working in the university hospitals of Leicester supporting families with inherited diseases and implementing innovations in personalised medicine. Inspired by his patients, he helped launch the 100,000 Genome project on the BBC Breakfast Sofa and wants to share his sense of wonder and excitement about the beautiful simplicity of nature based on the structure of DNA with a younger readership. He hopes to create the next generation of doctors and scientists that will use these solid foundations to solve the challenges of the 21st century.

Neeta Lakhani (Author)

Dr Lakhani is a Specialty Registrar in Clinical Genetics, with a Paediatric background. Following a BSc Medical Genetics (University of Leicester) and MSc Clinical Oncology (University of Nottingham), she returned to Leicester to read Medicine. Her interest has always been to encourage people to share her passion for genetics through education and teaching. She has authored chapters in textbooks, and regularly teaches to undergraduate and post-graduate audiences. She also has a MSt in Genomic Medicine from the University of Cambridge.

Nigel Baines (Illustrator)

Nigel Baines is an experienced illustrator and book designer who has worked for various trade publishing houses. He is a keen walker and would like to spend half the year living on top of the Andes. His other great loves are Grantham Town Football Club and any kind of travel.

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