Who wouldn't like to know more about our genetic inheritance and the way our genes are transmitted to our descendants? Will the secret of life be uncovered with our ever-increasing understanding of the DNA? Will the DNA be the solution to major health problems like cancer or ageing? The DNA and the related research will continue to have an increasing influence on our lives.Yet the author adopts the position that the DNA does not solely determine human beings.This book outlines the history of genetics, as well as the structure and function of the DNA. The author describes in detail the DNA technology in all its forms. Furthermore, he places the DNA knowledge and technology in a social perspective and shows its social consequences.