Two decades ago Benjamin Lewin's Genes revolutionized the way we think about and teach molecular biology and molecular genetics. His approach unified the discipline by providing an integrated account of the structure and function of genes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Setting a standard for currency, Genes continually embraces emerging trends in this field, such as introducing the molecular aspect of the gene before the traditional analysis of formal genetics. Genes VIII continues to innovate; expanding the early discussion of the genome and integrating new information on gene sequencing throughout the text.