A renowned biochemist draws on cutting-edge scientific findings to construct the mosaic of life’s astounding history.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. 20 figures
Author(s): Nick Lane
Publisher: W.W. Norton
Year: 2009
Language: English
Pages: 351
Tags: Биологические дисциплины;Теория эволюции;
Cover......Page __sk_0000.djvu
Copyright......Page __sk_0002.djvu
Contents......Page __sk_0003.djvu
Introduction......Page __sk_0007.djvu
1 The Origin of Life......Page __sk_0014.djvu
2 DNA......Page __sk_0040.djvu
3 Photosynthesis......Page __sk_0066.djvu
4 The Complex Cell......Page __sk_0094.djvu
5 Sex......Page __sk_0124.djvu
6 Movement......Page __sk_0150.djvu
7 Sight......Page __sk_0178.djvu
8 Hot Blood......Page __sk_0211.djvu
9 Consciousness......Page __sk_0238.djvu
10 Death......Page __sk_0266.djvu
Epilogue......Page __sk_0292.djvu
Notes......Page __sk_0294.djvu
List of Illustrations......Page __sk_0313.djvu
Acknowledgements......Page __sk_0316.djvu
Bibliography......Page __sk_0319.djvu
Index......Page __sk_0333.djvu
