Inside of every plant, animal, and human lies thousands of genes. These genes, and the DNA they are composed of, are the basis for heredity. Before we are born, the information encoded in our genes determines our physical features, predisposition to disease, and more. Genetics traces our understanding of heredity from the discovery of inheritance to modern day, as scientists seek to manipulate genes in order to control the blueprints of life. Topics in this book include genetically modified food, epigenetics, stem cells, and xenobiology. Readers are given balanced information about these controversial topics and encouraged to think critically to form their own opinions.