Introduction to genetics -- Chromosomes and cellular reproduction -- Basic principles of heredity -- Sex determination and sex-linked characteristics -- Extensions and modifications of basic principles -- Pedigree analysis, applications, and genetic testing -- Linkage, recombination, and eukaryotic gene mapping -- Bacterial and viral genetic systems -- Chromosome variation -- DBA : the chemical nature of the gene -- Chromosome structure and transposable elements -- DNA replication and recombination -- Transcription -- RNA molecules and RNA processing. The genetic code and translation -- Control of gene expression in prokaryotes -- Control of gene expression in eukaryotes -- Gene mutations and DNA repair -- Molecular genetic analysis and biotechnology -- Genomics and proteomics -- Organelle DNA -- Developmental genetics and immunogenetics -- Cancer genetics -- Quantitative genetics -- Population genetics -- Evolutionary genetics -- Glossary -- Answers to selected questions and problems.

The updated third edition builds upon the features that have made past editions so successful: an engaging writing style; relevant applications; an accessible and instructive art program; an emphasis on problem-solving; and, most importantly, a strong focus on concepts and connections.