Digital library
Textbooks, references and open learning resources.
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Introduction to Epigenetics
Renato Paro; Ueli Grossniklaus; Raffaella Santoro; Anton Wutz · Springer · 2021
This open access textbook leads the reader from basic concepts of chromatin structure and function and RNA mechanisms to the understanding of epigenetics, imprinting, regeneration and reprogramming. The textbook treats epigenetic phenomena in animals, as well as plants. Written by four internationally known experts and senior lecturers in this field, it provides a valuable tool for Master- and PhD- students who need to comprehend the principles of epigenetics, or wish to gain a deeper knowledge in this field. After reading this book, the student will: Have an understanding of the basic toolbox of epigenetic regulation Know how genetic and epigenetic information layers are interconnected Be able to explain complex epigenetic phenomena by understanding the structures and principles of the underlying molecular mechanisms Understand how misregulated epigenetic mechanisms can lead to disease
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Plant Molecular Genetics and Bioengineering
Walter Suza; Faizo Kasule; Philip Becraft; Thomas Lübberstedt · Iowa State University Digital Press · 2026
This edited book presents an overview of the fundamental principles and applied methodologies used in the genetic improvement of crop plants. It covers the structure and function of genes controlling traits of agronomic importance, the regulation of gene expression and genetic pathways, and the role of mutations as a primary source of genetic variation underlying trait improvement. Additional topics include an introduction to molecular markers, recombinant DNA technology, plant transformation, and gene editing technologies. Learning activities are included to facilitate self-study.
![Chromosomes, Genes, and Traits: An Introduction to Genetics [Revised Edition]](/api/files/covers/otl-1671.webp)
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Chromosomes, Genes, and Traits: An Introduction to Genetics [Revised Edition]
Amanda Simons · ROTEL · 2024
This resource is intended for an introductory or intermediate-level college genetics course. It begins with an exploration of DNA and genome structure and continues with a study of the molecular mechanisms that drive gene expression. Concepts of classical transmission genetics are linked to the molecular mechanisms that underlie observable phenotypes. It concludes with specific topics that synthesize information from both molecular and transmission genetics, including consideration of topics like epigenetics, cancer biology, and evolution. Examples of both historical and current problems in genetics are presented, along with conversations of the relationship between genetics and society.
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Crop Genetics
Walter Suza; Kendall Lamkey · Iowa State University · 2023
This book provides an introduction to genetic concepts such as reproductive systems, recombination, mutation, segregation and linkage analysis, inbreeding, quantitative inheritance, fertility regulation, population genetics and polyploidy.
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Introduction to Genetics
Natasha Ramroop Singh · Thompson Rivers University · 2009
Genetics, otherwise known as the Science of Heredity, is the study of biological information, and how this information is stored, replicated, transmitted and used by subsequent generations. The study of genetics can be sub-divided into three main areas: Transmission Genetics, Molecular Genetics, and Population Genetics. In this Introductory text, the focus is on Transmission or Classical Genetics, which deals with the basic principles of heredity and the mechanisms by which traits are passed from one generation to the next. The work of Gregor Mendel is central to Transmission Genetics; as such, there is a discussion about the pioneering work performed by him along with Mendel’s Laws, as they pertain to inheritance. Other aspects of Classical Genetics are covered, including the relationship between chromosomes and heredity, the arrangement of genes on chromosomes, and the physical mapping of genes.
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Genetics, Agriculture, and Biotechnology
Walter Suza; Donald Lee · Iowa State University · 2021
This textbook provides an introduction to plant genetics and biotechnology for the advancement of agriculture. A clear and structured introduction to the topic for learners new to the field of genetics, the book includes: an introduction to the life cycle of the cell, DNA and how it relates to genes and chromosomes, DNA analysis, recombinant DNA, biotechnology, and transmission genetics.
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General Biology II: Survey of Molecular Life and Genetics
Lisa Bartee; Christine Anderson · Open Oregon Educational Resources · 2018
BI102: Survey of Molecular Life and Genetics is intended for one term of the introductory biology course for non-science majors taught at many two- and four-year colleges. The concepts of genetics, as they apply to the study of life, are introduced, including the principles of inheritance, genetics, and gene regulation. This textbook incorporates the mandates found in Vision and Change and focuses on the non-content aspects of biology education that are just as important. Additionally, this book explicitly teaches the general education outcomes that we have identified as important for this class. This textbook pulls together biology content resources that are accessible for our community college non-major biology students, as well as resources to provide them with explicit instruction in the quantitative literacy, communication, and information literacy general education outcomes as they relate to the biology content they are learning.
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Cell Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry for Pre-Clinical Students
Renee LeClair · Virginia Tech Publishing · 2021
Cell Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry for Pre-Clinical Students is an undergraduate medical-level resource for foundational knowledge across the disciplines of genetics, cell biology and biochemistry. This USMLE-aligned text is designed for a course in first-year undergraduate medical course that is delivered typically before students start to explore systems physiology and pathophysiology. The text is meant to provide the essential information from these content areas in a concise format that would allow learner preparation to engage in an active classroom. Clinical correlates and additional application of content is intended to be provided in the classroom experience. The text assumes that the students will have completed medical school prerequisites (including the MCAT) in which they will have been introduced to the most fundamental concepts of biology and chemistry that are essential to understand the content presented here. This resource should be assistive to the learner later in medical school and for exam preparation given the material is presented in a succinct manner, with a focus on high-yield concepts. The 276-page text was created specifically for use by pre-clinical students at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and was based on faculty experience and peer review to guide development and hone important topics. Instructors reviewing, adopting, or adapting parts or the whole of the text are requested to register their interest at: https://bit.ly/interest-preclinical. Instructors and subject matter experts interested in and sharing their original course materials relevant to pre-clinical education are requested to join the instructor portal at https://www.oercommons.org/groups/pre-clinical-resources/10133. Suggested Citation LeClair, Renée J., (2021). Cell Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry for Pre-Clinical Students, Blackburg, VA: Virginia Tech Publishing. https://doi.org/10.21061/cellbio. Licensed with CC BY NC-SA 4.0.
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Lab Manual: Synthetic Biology Protocols
Nathan Reyna, Ruth Plymale, & Kristine Johnson · Ouachita Babtist University & University of New Hampshire
The protocols included in this lab manual are part of a Synthetic Biology undergraduate research course (CURE) designed by the authors. The lab presented in this manual is designed for a Genetics or Biotechnology class and has been used at both two-year and four-year institutions.
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Lab Manual: Synthetic Biology Protocols
Nathan Reyna, Ruth Plymale, & Kristine Johnson · Ouachita Babtist University & University of New Hampshire
The protocols included in this lab manual are part of a Synthetic Biology undergraduate research course (CURE) designed by the authors. The lab presented in this manual is designed for a Genetics or Biotechnology class and has been used at both two-year and four-year institutions.
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ANT-103: Physical/Biological Anthropology
Rising Scholars Program · Lake Tahoe Community College
In the contents: 03: Molecular Biology and Genetics · 3.02: Introduction to Genetics · 3.04: Mendelian Genetics and Other Patterns of Inheritance
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EXPLORATIONS: An Invitation to Biological Anthropology (Scheib)
LibreTexts
In the contents: 03: Molecular Biology and Genetics · 3.02: Introduction to Genetics · 3.04: Mendelian Genetics and Other Patterms of Inheritance
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Phylogenetic Comparative Methods
Luke Harmon · University of Idaho
In the contents: 3.03: Simple Quantitative Genetics Models for Brownian Motion
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BIOL 22: Animal Biology
Amy Fetters · College of the Sequoias
In the contents: 04: Cell Division Genetics · 4.05: Mendelian Genetics
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Science, Physiology, and Nutrition For the Nonscientist
Judi S. Morrill · San Jose State University
A wonderful blend of physiology, nutrition, biochemistry, genetics, biology, evolution, chemistry--what we all need to know as informed citizens. A basic knowledge of the life sciences and how our bodies work--to promote our own good health, especially as we're bombarded with misleading advertisements, soundbites, and the like. DNA fingerprinting, calorie requirements, dietary advice, genetic engineering (including gene editing with CRISPR cas9)--all in an easy-to understand book.
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Microbiology Lab Manual Sp 25
Valeria Hochman Adler · Coalinga College
This lab cover principles and applications of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function, biological molecules, homeostasis, cell reproduction and its controls, molecular genetics, classical/Mendelian genetics, cell metabolism including photosynthesis and respiration, and cellular communication. The philosophy of science, methods of scientific inquiry and experimental design are foundational to the course.
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Quantitative Methods for Plant Breeding
Walter Suza and Kendall Lamkey · Iowa State University
This open textbook covers common statistics used in agriculture research, including experimental design in plant breeding and genetics, as well as the analysis of variance, regression, and correlation.
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Quantitative Methods for Plant Breeding
Walter Suza; Kendall Lamkey · Iowa State University Digital Press · 2023
This open textbook covers common statistics used in agriculture research, including experimental design in plant breeding and genetics, as well as the analysis of variance, regression, and correlation.
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Explorations: An Open Invitation To Biological Anthropology
Beth Shook; Katie Nelson; Kelsie Aguilera; Mary Nelson · American Anthropological Association · 2023
Anthropology is the study of humanity, in all its biological and cultural aspects, past and present. It is a four-field discipline comprised of biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, archaeology, and linguistic anthropology. The focus of this book is biological anthropology, which explores who we are from biological, evolutionary, and adaptive perspectives. We lay the foundation for this inquiry in the first four chapters by introducing the discipline of anthropology, evolutionary theory, molecular biology and genetics, and the forces of evolution. What's New in the 2nd Edition? Two new chapters; More concise chapters (8,000 to 10,000 words, not including call out boxes); Updated chapters with new discoveries and events; Diversity, equity and inclusion principles applied to the text and images; Enhanced accessibility standards reviewed by the ASCCC-OERI; Instructor guide detailing how to adapt the book to better fit your course. Student reviewed content.
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Virology Lab Exercises for Undergraduates
Eric Ryndock · The Pennsylvania Alliance for Design of Open Textbooks (PA-ADOPT) · 2026
This laboratory manual presents a novel series of undergraduate-friendly experiments designed to provide students with a safe, accessible, and comprehensive introduction to virology. The manual is intended for students who already possess foundational knowledge in cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology, and it emphasizes hands-on learning through diverse experimental approaches. Unlike many existing virology laboratory manuals that depend on costly infrastructure such as mammalian cell culture facilities or focus narrowly on a single viral system, this manual was developed specifically for primary undergraduate teaching institutions. The experiments utilize readily available equipment while exposing students to representative viruses that infect bacteria, plants, and animals. Through these investigations, students gain practical experience with modern virological techniques and develop transferable, employable skills relevant to biotechnology, research, and related industries. Collectively, the laboratory exercises aim to strengthen conceptual understanding of viral biology, promote technical competency, and inspire student curiosity about viruses as dynamic and influential biological entities.