Females are Mosaics

副标题: X Inactivation and Sex Differences in Disease

ISBN: 9780195188127

出版社: OUP USA

出版年: 2007-04-05

页数: 284

定价: GBP 32.99

装帧: Hardcover

内容简介

Women can be described as genetic mosaics because they have two distinctly different types of cells throughout their bodies. Unlike males, who have one X chromosome (inherited from their mother), females have two X chromosomes in every cell (one from each parent). The father's copy works in some cells, while the mother's copy works in others. These two X chromosomes often function differently, especially if one carries a defective gene. Much has been written about the Y chromosome and its role in inducing maleness. This will be the first book about the X chromosome as a key to female development and the role of X-related factors in the etiology of sex differences in human disease. Barbara Migeon, from the renowned McKusick-Nathan Institute at Johns Hopkins, is a major figure in clinical genetics and is eminently qualified to write this book, and she writes clearly and effectively. She describes both the underlying molecular mechanisms and the remarkable genetic consequences of X inactivation and its role in determining the biological concepts characteristic of women.