Description
Book SynopsisIlluminated by a great assortment of original illustrations, this remarkable book charts the step-by-step evolution of vertebrate blood coagulation. Intended for readers with a background in biological science, it is specifically targeted for those in the field of molecular evolution and researchers in the area of blood clotting. The orderly way in which gene duplications provided new genes for fine-tuning the system serves as a model for how complex physiological systems in general have evolved. The book includes suggestions for specific genetic engineering experiments that can be done to illustrate how molecular evolution works. An extensive glossary and guide to the current literature combine to make this book ideal for course use as well as for self study.
Trade Review'Couldn't put it down! This book is simply wonderful. Although I already knew much of the science, it was explained in a way that helped me to put this work into the context of the larger narrative of molecular evolution.' - Kenneth R Miller, Brown University, USA 'A fully enjoyable discussion of the evolution of blood clotting that can be appreciated by everyone from the seasoned protein chemist to the student wanting to learn the logic behind evolutionary studies. Dr. Doolittle's clear and engaging writing style makes complex concepts easy to follow.' - Naomi Esmon, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, USA 'What a lovely little book capturing the life work of one of the leaders in the study of the evolution of proteins. From lamprey to man, Dr. Doolittle writes about the evolution of the blood clotting system with a historical perspective. This was a very enjoyable read.' - Sandra Degen, University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital, USA
Table of ContentsPreface
Prolog Part I: Laying the Groundwork Chapter 1: Blood Clotting in Humans
Chapter 2: Clotting Inhibitors and Fibrinolysis
Chapter 3: Localizing Clots
Chapter 4: Proteins and Domains
Chapter 5: Fibrinogen and Fibrin
Chapter 6: Animals, Their Proteins and Phylogenetics
Chapter 7: Gene Duplications
Chapter 8: Genomes
Part II: Searching Through Genomes Chapter 9: Genomes of Fish with Jaws
Chapter 10: Lamprey Clotting Genes
Chapter 11: Contact Factors and Other Embellishments
Chapter 12: Protochordate Genomes
Chapter 13: How the System Began
Afterword
Glossary
Appendix
