Our understanding of human biology is racing ahead in leaps and bounds: since identifying the structure of DNA in the 1950s human beings have mapped their own genome, learned a lot about chromosomes and begun working their way through the 30,000 human genes.

But hang on a tick: perhaps, like many of us, you're having trouble distinguishing genes from genomes, haven't quite grasped what the X and Y chromosomes are all about (and why they make a difference), and are having difficulty with your base pairs or defining 'junk' DNA. If so, Colin Masters's book may be for you.

Masters, professor of pathology at the University of Melbourne, has in this book written a remarkably friendly review of our DNA knowledge to date.

He moves from the inside out, beginning with the molecule itself, progressing to the structures it forms within the nuclei of cells and then dealing with what we know of its mechanisms as the basic building block of living organisms.

Controversy is here too: cloning and genetic modification of food are both included, and each receives trenchant but even-handed treatment.

There are also plenty of useful diagrams; a time line that handily summarises the history of human knowledge about DNA; a practical glossary of technical terms; and a plethora of well-thought-out suggestions for further reading.

This is vital, engaging and very important stuff, written by one of Australia's leaders in communication and education about DNA. In anticipation of some of the possible ethical issues and choices that may yet lie ahead for society, Masters concludes that: "The world needs… people who have a broad grasp of DNA biology and biotechnology…to make sound decisions on these important emerging issues."