9780393065961 |
(hardcover) |
0393065960 |
9780393338669 |
(pbk.) |
0393338665 |
Available:*
Library | Material Type | Call Number | Shelf Location | Status | Item Holds |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... Library 21c | Paperback | 576.8 L266L | Nonfiction | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
Bound With These Titles
On Order
Summary
Summary
How did life invent itself? Where did DNA come from? How did consciousness develop? Powerful new research methods are providing vivid insights into the makeup of life. Comparing gene sequences, examining atomic structures of proteins, and looking into the geochemistry of rocks have helped explain evolution in more detail than ever before. Nick Lane expertly reconstructs the history of life by describing the ten greatest inventions of evolution (including DNA, photosynthesis, sex, and sight), based on their historical impact, role in organisms today, and relevance to current controversies. Who would have guessed that eyes started off as light-sensitive spots used to calibrate photosynthesis in algae? Or that DNA's building blocks form spontaneously in hydrothermal vents? Lane gives a gripping, lucid account of nature's ingenuity, and the result is a work of essential reading for anyone who has ever pondered or questioned the science underlying evolution's greatest gifts to man.
Author Notes
Nick Lane is a biochemist in the Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment at University College London, and leads the UCL Origins of Life Program. He was awarded the 2015 Biochemical Society Award for his outstanding contribution to the molecular life sciences. He is the author of Life Ascending: The Ten Great Inventions of Evolution, which won the 2010 Royal Society Prize for Science Books, as well as Power, Sex, Suicide: Mitochondria and the Meaning of Life and Oxygen: The Molecule that Made the World.
Reviews (3)
Publisher's Weekly Review
In this wonderful book, Lane (Power, Sex, Suicide), a biochemist at University College London, asks an intriguing and simple question: what were the great biological inventions that led to Earth as we know it. (He is quick to point out that by "invention," he refers to nature's own creativity, not to intelligent design.) Lane argues that there are 10 such inventions and explores the evolution of each. Not surprisingly, each of the 10-the origin of life, the creation of DNA, photosynthesis, the evolution of complex cells, sex, movement, sight, warm bloodedness, consciousness and death-is intricate, its origins swirling in significant controversy. Drawing on cutting-edge science, Lane does a masterful job of explaining the science of each, distinguishing what is fairly conclusively known and what is currently reasonable conjecture. At times he presents some shocking but compelling information. For example, one of the light-sensitive pigments in human eyes probably arose first in algae, where it can still be found today helping to maximize photosynthesis. While each of Lane's 10 subjects deserves a book of its own, they come together to form an elegant, fully satisfying whole. 20 illus. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Choice Review
Trained as a biochemist but with a fluid writing style and expertise in the role of mitochondria and oxygen in the evolution of cellular complexity, Lane (Univ. College London, UK) is ideally positioned to examine what he identifies as "the ten great inventions of evolution." The first half of the book focuses on how life began, how cells with the ability to transform energy arose, and how cellular evolution led inevitably to the evolution of sex. The second half explores the evolution of locomotion, vision, and maintenance of a constant body temperature. The book concludes with chapters titled "Consciousness" and "Death." Lane's interests and strengths in biochemistry and metabolism inform the first five chapters. Some concentration and subject background is required, but the effort is worthwhile. Readers might quibble with the title Life Ascending, which could imply a progressive climb from simple to complex, and indeed, the origin of complexity is a major theme of the book (and a major issue in evolutionary biology). Being simple does not equate with a lack of complexity. Rather as molecules organized into cells, cells became groups, and groups transformed into multicellular organisms, new levels of complexity and integration arose. Lane captures these concepts beautifully. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty; general readers. B. K. Hall emeritus, Dalhousie University
Library Journal Review
This ambitious book explains ten significant milestones in the evolution of life, beginning with the origin of life and onto the development of DNA, complex cells, sex, sight, consciousness, and death. Lane (honorary reader, biochemistry, Univ. Coll. London; Power, Sex, Suicide: Mitochondria and the Meaning of Life) brings together intriguing insights from researchers to build consistent theories as to how these "inventions" came about. The illustrations and endnotes are helpful, but the lack of a bibliography will be problematic for those who like to follow up particular research. Verdict Lane writes clearly and well, although there are sections, particularly in the chapter on the origin of life, where the biochemistry is a bit intense for the general reader. Overall, a fascinating and provocative scientific book for the layperson.-Marit S. Taylor, Auraria Lib., Denver (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.