Life from an RNA World

Life from an RNA World

Author: Michael Yarus

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 212

ISBN-13: 9780674050754

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A majority of evolutionary biologists believe that we now can envision our biological predecessors--not the first, but nearly the first, living beings on Earth. This book is about these vanished forebears. The era between the first rudimentary life on Earth and the appearance of more complex beings is called the RNA world. It is RNA (ribonucleic acid) long believed to be a mere biologic copier and messenger, that offers a glimpse into our ancient predecessors. To describe early RNA creatures, here called "ribocytes" or RNA cells, the author uses basics of molecular biology. He reviews our current understanding of the tree of life, examines the structure of RNA itself, explains the operation of the genetic code, and more. Courting controversy among those who question the role of ribocytes -- citing the chemical fragility of RNA and the uncertainty about the origin of an RNA synthetic apparatus -- he offers a vision of early life on Earth.


The RNA World

The RNA World

Author: Raymond F. Gesteland

Publisher: CSHL Press

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 774

ISBN-13: 0879697393

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Recent studies on the activities of RNA in the cell have revolutionized our understanding of the many roles played by this molecule. The first two editions of The RNA World(1993, 1999) shed light on the pre–biotic era dominated by this versatile molecule, and provided an overview of the state of RNA research at the time. The new third edition of The RNA Worldupdates this perspective, describing the vast array of newly discovered roles for RNA in the modern world. The updated original chapters are supplemented with new chapters on RNA–protein complexes, snRNPs and snoRNPs, telomerase RNA, RNAi, microRNAs, noncoding RNA, and many other subjects. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the biology of nucleic acids and gene regulation and a valuable resource for teaching these concepts.


RNA

RNA

Author: James E. Darnell

Publisher:

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781936113194

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RNA molecules could function as catalysts. --


Opening Doors

Opening Doors

Author: Laura L. Mays Hoopes

Publisher:

Published: 2019

Total Pages: 161

ISBN-13: 9780359413966

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A dual biography of Joan Steitz and Jennifer Doudna, two women who combined successful home lives with successful careers in science.


Earth, Life, and System

Earth, Life, and System

Author: Bruce Clarke

Publisher: Fordham University Press

Published: 2015-07-01

Total Pages: 368

ISBN-13: 0823265277

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Exploring the broad implications of evolutionary theorist Lynn Margulis’s work, this collection brings together specialists across a range of disciplines, from paleontology, molecular biology, evolutionary theory, and geobiology to developmental systems theory, archaeology, history of science, cultural science studies, and literature and science. Addressing the multiple themes that animated Margulis’s science, the essays within take up, variously, astrobiology and the origin of life, ecology and symbiosis from the microbial to the planetary scale, the coupled interactions of earthly environments and evolving life in Gaia theory and earth system science, and the connections of these newer scientific ideas to cultural and creative productions. Dorion Sagan acquaints the reader with salient issues in Lynn Margulis’s scientific work, the controversies they raised, and the vocabulary necessary to follow the arguments. Sankar Chatterjee synthesizes several strands of current theory for the origin of life on earth. James Strick tells the intertwined origin stories of James Lovelock’s Gaia hypothesis and Margulis’s serial endosymbiosis theory. Jan Sapp explores the distinct phylogenetic visions of Margulis and Carl Woese. Susan Squier examines the epigenetics of embryologist and developmental biologist C. H. Waddington. Bruce Clarke studies the convergence of ecosystem ecology, systems theory, and science fiction between the 1960s and the 1980s. James Shapiro discusses the genome evolution that results not from random changes but rather from active cell processes. Susan Oyama shows how the concept of development balances an over-emphasis on genetic coding and other deterministic schemas. Christopher Witmore studies the ways in which a concentrated animal feeding operation, or CAFO, mixes up natural resources, animal lives, and human appetites. And Peter Westbroek brings the insights of earth system science toward a new worldview essential for a proper response to global change.


RNA Nanotechnology and Therapeutics

RNA Nanotechnology and Therapeutics

Author: Peixuan Guo

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2013-07-09

Total Pages: 614

ISBN-13: 1466505664

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Interest in RNA nanotechnology has increased in recent years as recognition of its potential for applications in nanomedicine has grown. Edited by the world's foremost experts in nanomedicine, this comprehensive, state-of-the-art reference details the latest research developments and challenges in the biophysical and single molecule approaches in RNA nanotechnology. In addition, the text also provides in-depth discussions of RNA structure for nanoparticle construction, RNA computation and modeling, single molecule imaging of RNA, RNA nanoparticle assembly, RNA nanoparticles in therapeutics, RNA chemistry for nanoparticle synthesis, and conjugation and labeling.