Oh To Be Confounded: Understanding DNA: The Molecule and How It Works
Written: Sep 08 '03 (Updated Sep 13 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Solid introduction to DNA biochemistry, topology, and research methodology.
Cons: Not for nonscientists or even nonmathematical scientists.
The Bottom Line: Elaborate analytical discussion of DNA structure and function with an emphasis on topology. Requires significant mathematical maturity. Not for nonscientists.
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| avepythagoras's Full Review: Understanding DNA: The Molecular & How It Works Bo... |
I read this book at behest of a 'further reading' section in a molecular biology textbook because I felt I possessed an inadequate knowledge of DNA molecular chemistry. There is simply more to DNA than just a 'double helix' and while many biologists couldn't care less about further structural considerations in DNA chemistry, I felt it in my best interest to at least attempt to assimilate any further DNA knowledge.Understanding DNA seemed perfect for this purpose, only a few hundred pages, recommended for nonscientists and early biochemistry students: a book reasonably consumable on a weekend, a light and palatable scientific work. I figured I'd brew a pot of tea and lounge about my house, enjoying my newfound tome at leisure, for the sake of both personal enjoyment and enlightenment. Unfortunately, my peripheral interest was shattered and I found myself trapped within a rigorous mathematical exposition of DNA topological properties, and to my lazy chagrin I found Understanding DNA to be far from an easy read: a book requiring more than just casual involvement. So, my weekend of leisure, at least, was shot.
But this was for nonscientists right?
Officially, this book was supposed to be for nonscientists. But, of course, it depends on your definition of 'nonscientist.' You may not have to be a biochemist because the authors tend to shy away from complicated biochemical concepts, and they try to make the book accessible for those who haven't been (un)fortunate enough to have previous biochemistry experiences. But they do assume a fairly rigorous and mature knowledge of mathematics. And therefore, I wouldn't recommend this book for nonscientifically minded people. Majority of the discussions about DNA involve fairly difficult geometrical analyses of molecular structure and how the topology of the DNA molecule impacts its functionality. Of course, these problems are central to any robust and academic understanding of DNA, but such analyses will leave many readers lost, confused and helpless. Early biology and chemistry university students who haven't had the pleasure of studying higher calculus, analysis and modern geometry will be particularly confounded. Because of this text's dependence on mathematics it isn't something you can skim, you are best devoting a week or so to the concepts, understanding them as they are presented, working through the mathematics and exercises at the end of each chapter. Otherwise, this book will provide little, if any, new insight into the structure and function of DNA.
Scope of the Text
Understanding DNA spends a great deal of time working through the geometry of the DNA molecule. Particularly, the authors discuss the implications of DNA's flexibility and the role this flexibility plays in the consctruction of histone complexes and chromosomes, they briefly discuss replication and transcription but only with structural considerations in mind. And while they eventually connect the mathematical discussions of structure with functionality, they spend majority of the book specifically on DNA structure. Of the last three chapters not devoted to structure, only two provide an ineffectual discussion of functionality. The final chapter is a cursory overview of lab methodology: electrophoresis, X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, DNA enzymatics.
Is this even for scientists?
The exercises at the end of each chapter are fun, and some involve significant creativity on the part of the reader, but, in the end, are not too difficult or intractable. And they really do provide novel and deep insight; I was tremendously enlightened after reading this book. DNA is a rather complex and evolutionarily ingenious molecule. And Understanding DNA is reasonable place to start any deep analysis of this molecule. But, like a textbook, it takes time, effort and diligence. This isn't a book to be taken lightly, like many other popular science books, in fact, I would consider it more a textbook, reference, or primer. Not to be read lightly, at a leisurely pace, but consciously, carefully, and critically. The writing is strong and informative but becomes obtuse and difficult when the early chapters transition to the mathematically rigorous structural considerations. With struggle comes enlightenment. You've got to sweat a little to get anything out of this book. But, for me at least, it was worth it. I now have a more professional understanding of DNA. But will I ever really use this information? Now that is a question...
Understanding DNA fills a rather small niche. There aren't many nonscientific people out there concerned with DNA topology and functionality. So I am not sure why this book was marketed as popular scientific nonfiction. Further, the rigors of mathematical analysis involved go beyond what many scientifically minded people would care palate. As an introduction to the structural chemistry of DNA, this book succeeds. It is a book for structural chemists and strong mathematically minded chemistry students who want to go beyond the simplicity of undergraduate chemistry in order to find a firm mathematical model for DNA functionality. The reader really needs to be interested in DNA and chemistry; otherwise this book will seem tedious, long-winded and rather dull.
I can only recommend this book to the tragically curious. Those of you who are infuriated easily by the ordinary, who want more out of life than mere 'little' challenges.
Recommended:
No
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avepythagoras
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Location: Gainesville, FL
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