Prologue: Our Genome
Each individual's genome / Individual characteristics that can be known from the genome ①~②

Chapter 1: What are genes, DNA, and genomes?
Role of genes / Location of genes / Identity of genes / Translation of genes / Complete genetic information / Heredity and environment

Chapter 2: Reading DNA
Next-generation sequencer / DNA identification

Chapter 3 Appearance, Athletic Ability, and Genes
Face / Height / Height differences between men and women / Hair, eye, and skin color / Hair volume / Olympic athletes

* Interview with Dr. Yannis Pitsiladis
* If personality and ability are determined by genetics, are efforts and experiences meaningless?


Chapter 4: Constitution, Personality, and Genes
Taste / People who are strong or weak to alcohol / Empathy / Personality that likes new things / Aggression

Chapter 5 Intelligence, Mind, and Genes
Genius genes / verbal intelligence / intellectual disability / memory / depression / diversity of the 'mind'

Chapter 6 Disease and Genes
Cancer ①~② / Cancer genetics / Cancer genetic testing / Anticancer drugs / Side effects of drugs / Obesity / Diabetes / Immunity / Common bacteria ①~③ / New prenatal diagnosis / Personalized medicine

Chapter 7 Mechanisms of Inheritance
Chromosomes / Chromosome distribution / Mendel's laws ①~② / Blood types / Laws of inheritance / Polygenic inheritance / Sex-linked inheritance / Maternal inheritance

* Is it true that a son resembles his mother and a daughter resembles her father?
* DNA and human history

Chapter 8: Development of the Mechanism of Genetics
Mutation / DNA methylation ①~② / Inheritance of growth environment

Chapter 9 Genetic Modification
Genetic modification / Optogenetics / Applications of Optogenetics ①~② / Genome editing

* Interview with Professor Jennifer Doudna
* Applications of genome editing

Technologies for understanding genetic information, including the reality and differences between genes, DNA, and genomes, and genome decoding devices
Everyone has their own individuality.
The genome, which is the blueprint of a person, is largely responsible for determining individuality, from physical features such as face and height to motor skills, intelligence, constitution, and personality.
First, let's define what genes, DNA, and genome are and what the differences are between them.

Meanwhile, in 2003, the decoding of the human genome was completed.
The genome decoding device, the 'sequencer', has become essential not only for decoding the genome but also for research into finding the meaning written in the genome.
We will also learn more about the development and uses of sequencers.

The mechanisms of inheritance, including chromosomes, blood types, laws of inheritance, polygenic inheritance, sex-linked inheritance, and maternal inheritance.
Most of us resemble our parents in some way.
This is because genes are inherited from parents.
However, not all of us have exactly the same set of genes as our parents, and of course, no one has the exact same face as their parents.
By what laws are genes passed on to offspring? This illustration provides a detailed explanation of the basic mechanisms of inheritance, as well as specific forms of inheritance that deviate from the basics.


Genes that determine face, height, hair, eye color, skin color, and athletic ability
In terms of appearance, such as face, height, hair, eye color, and skin color, parents and children or siblings often resemble each other, and anyone can tell right away.
These characteristics appear to be caused by multiple genes interacting with each other.

In recent years, research has been conducted on the genes of athletes who demonstrate outstanding athletic ability, and the relationship between athletic nerves and genes in each sport with different characteristics is steadily being revealed.
Let's summarize the genes that determine a person's external characteristics.

Genes related to constitution and personality, such as senses, tolerance to alcohol, emotions, curiosity, and aggression
We know from experience that there are people who 'come from a family that drinks a lot' or 'people who are constitutionally unable to drink'.
Genes play a role here too.
And it is also being discovered that subtle differences in genes create each person's unique personality.
The level of curiosity and aggression is also determined by a person's genes.
Let's find out the details.

Genes related to intelligence and the mind, such as genius, intelligence, intellectual disability, memory, and depression
Are there genes that determine how well a person is mentally strong? To answer this frequently asked question, the search for genes related to intelligence is actively underway.
Additionally, certain genetic characteristics are being discovered in patients with autism and schizophrenia, which are known as 'diseases of the mind'.


Genes related to diseases such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, immunity, resident bacteria, prenatal testing, and personalized medicine, as well as side effects of anticancer drugs and medications.
Genes related to various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and immune diseases, have been investigated so far.
Recently, it has become possible to examine a patient's DNA to prescribe the right medication for the patient, or to examine the fetus's DNA to determine the fetus's health status before birth.
Even if you have the same disease, the degree to which it progresses and the extent to which medications are effective can vary greatly from person to person.
We will also learn about the principles of providing treatment tailored to each individual's genetic characteristics.


Genetic manipulation, including mutations, DNA methylation, optogenetics, and genome editing
Nowadays, genetic modification (genetic engineering) technology has improved to the point where it is possible to destroy or add genes as desired.
Furthermore, groundbreaking manipulation technologies such as ‘optogenetics’ and ‘genome editing’ are also becoming widespread.
What potential do these technologies hold? What challenges might arise when actually applied? We also explain how countries around the world are preparing to address these challenges.