Description
Book SynopsisWe are in the midst of a revolution. It is a scientific revolution built upon the tools of molecular biology, with which we probe and prod the living world in ways unimaginable a few decades ago. Need to track a bacterium at the root of a hospital outbreak? No problem: the offending germ''s complete genetic profile can be obtained in 24 hours. We insert human DNA into E. coli bacteria to produce our insulin. It is natural to look at biotechnology in the 21st century with a mix of wonder and fear. But biotechnology is not as ''unnatural'' as one might think. All living organisms use the same molecular processes to replicate their genetic material and the same basic code to ''read'' their genes. The similarities can be seen in their DNA. Here, John Archibald shows how evolution has been ''plugging-and-playing'' with the subcellular components of life from the very beginning and continues to do so today. For evidence, we need look no further than the inner workings of our own cells. Molec
Trade ReviewI recommend One Plus One Equals One, which provides extensive and clear explanations of a fascinating area of biology. Indeed, it would be ideal for university students wanting to deepen their knowledge of symbiotic relationships. * Jordan Handley, The Biologist *
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1: Life as we don't know it 2: Revolutions in biology 3: The seeds of symbiosis 4: Molecular rulers of life's kingdoms 5: Bacteria becomes organelles: an insider's take 6: The complex cell: when, who, where, and how? 7: Green evolution, green revolution 8: Back to the future 9: Epilogue Glossary
