The Evolution of Molecular Biology: The Search for the Secrets of Life provides the historical knowledge behind techniques founded in molecular biology, also presenting an appreciation of how, and by whom, these discoveries were made. It deals with the evolution of intellectual concepts in the context of active research in an approachable language that accommodates readers from a variety of backgrounds. Each chapter contains a prologue and epilogue to create continuity and provide a complete framework of molecular biology. This foundational work also functions as a historical and conceptual supplement to many related courses in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, genetics and history of science.
In addition, the book demonstrates how the roots of discovery and advances–and an individual’s own research–have grown out of the history of the field, presenting a more complete understanding and context for scientific discovery.
1. Cover image - p. iv 2. Title page - p. iv 3. Table of Contents - p. iv 4. Copyright - p. iv 5. Preface - p. xi 6. Chapter 1: Beginnings - p. xii 7. Chapter 2: The Origins of Biochemistry - p. 8 8. Chapter 3: The Chemical Structure of Proteins - p. 17 9. Chapter 4: Proteins in Three Dimensions - p. 31 10. Chapter 5: The Origins of Genetics - p. 44 11. Chapter 6: Nucleic Acids - p. 56 12. Chapter 7: The Great Synthesis - p. 63 13. Chapter 8: How DNA is Replicated - p. 77 14. Chapter 9: The Central Dogma - p. 86 15. Chapter 10: The Genetic Code - p. 94 16. Chapter 11: Gene to Protein: The Whole Path - p. 101 17. Chapter 12: Eukaryotes Pose New Problems - p. 115 18. Chapter 13: Development and Differentiation - p. 133 19. Chapter 14: Recombinant DNA: The Next Revolution - p. 147 20. Chapter 15: Understanding Whole Genomes: Creating New Paradigms - p. 163 21. Chapter 16: Whole Genomes and Evolution - p. 180 22. Chapter 17: Practical Applications of Recombinant DNA Technologies - p. 191 23. Glossary - p. 205 24. Appendix: Nobel Prize Laureates That Have Contributed to the Development of Molecular Biology - p. 216 25. Index - p. 223
The Evolution of Molecular Biology: The Search for the Secrets of Life provides the historical knowledge behind techniques founded in molecular biology, also presenting an appreciation of how, and by whom, these discoveries were made. It deals with the evolution of intellectual concepts in the context of active research in an approachable language that accommodates readers from a variety of backgrounds. Each chapter contains a prologue and epilogue to create continuity and provide a complete framework of molecular biology. This foundational work also functions as a historical and conceptual supplement to many related courses in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, genetics and history of science.
In addition, the book demonstrates how the roots of discovery and advances–and an individual’s own research–have grown out of the history of the field, presenting a more complete understanding and context for scientific discovery.
1. Cover image - p. iv 2. Title page - p. iv 3. Table of Contents - p. iv 4. Copyright - p. iv 5. Preface - p. xi 6. Chapter 1: Beginnings - p. xii 7. Chapter 2: The Origins of Biochemistry - p. 8 8. Chapter 3: The Chemical Structure of Proteins - p. 17 9. Chapter 4: Proteins in Three Dimensions - p. 31 10. Chapter 5: The Origins of Genetics - p. 44 11. Chapter 6: Nucleic Acids - p. 56 12. Chapter 7: The Great Synthesis - p. 63 13. Chapter 8: How DNA is Replicated - p. 77 14. Chapter 9: The Central Dogma - p. 86 15. Chapter 10: The Genetic Code - p. 94 16. Chapter 11: Gene to Protein: The Whole Path - p. 101 17. Chapter 12: Eukaryotes Pose New Problems - p. 115 18. Chapter 13: Development and Differentiation - p. 133 19. Chapter 14: Recombinant DNA: The Next Revolution - p. 147 20. Chapter 15: Understanding Whole Genomes: Creating New Paradigms - p. 163 21. Chapter 16: Whole Genomes and Evolution - p. 180 22. Chapter 17: Practical Applications of Recombinant DNA Technologies - p. 191 23. Glossary - p. 205 24. Appendix: Nobel Prize Laureates That Have Contributed to the Development of Molecular Biology - p. 216 25. Index - p. 223
