Summer Reading - Honors Biology

For honors biology I read the book Genome by Matt Ridley, which was recommended to me by James Armenta, a senior here at High Tech High Media Arts. I asked James a few questions about the book and why it made an impression on him, which he answered through an e-mail.

Here is James's response:

What is this book about?

The book I gave you, Genome by Matt Ridley, is a biology book that focuses each of it's chapters on one of the 23 different genomes of human DNA. Because the human genome is so incredibly complex, the chapters could not fully encompass what traits each genome may be the cause for. Instead, a certain characteristic that has been related to each gene (such as IQ, or the possibility of Asthma) is discussed.

Why did you read this book?

I chose to read the book because I wanted a more tangible way to think about genes. It's easy to understand that they code for certain proteins which ultimately lead to physical characteristics in the body, but I wanted to apply it to the real world in some way. The way Ridley explains each of the characteristics makes for a much more simplified read about the complicated human genome. 

Why do you value this book?

The most value I got out of this book was really seeing the duality between how much our genes define us and how much free will we truly possess. Ridley explains many times in the book that there are many other factors that contribute to what makes a person than just their genes. That being said, we cannot escape the destiny of our genes. From the very moment of conception, or even before, our genetic code defines us. It was fun reading about the balancing act between the two & how it could easily be seen both ways. 

How has this book impacted your life?

Seeing how a simple mutation in a set of genes can so greatly change your life. Reading about all of the problems that could occur in a human's genetics, really made me realize how fragile life is. 

James's Email