The recent developments in the revolution in modern genetics represents one of the most amazing expansions of knowledge in the history of science. Incredible advances such as the mapping of the human genome are continuing to unlock the mysteries of heredity. This title gives students the power to understand the essential topic of biology by starting with the basics. The science behind each concept is explained with clear text combined with illustrations, color images, and sidebars. Biographical material on Gregor Mendel, the first person to describe how traits are passed from generation to generation, shows readers how the genetic revolution began. The text helps readers synthesize textual and visual information into a coherent understanding of genetic processes.