Acquiring Genomes

In this groundbreaking book, Lynn Margulis and Dorion Sagan present an answer to one of the enduring mysteries of evolution -- the source of inherited variation that gives rise to new species. Random genetic mutation, long believed to be the main source of variation, is only a marginal factor. As the authors demonstrate in this book, the more important source of speciation, by far, is the acquisition of new genomes by symbiotic merger. The result of thirty years of delving into a vast, mostly arcane literature, this is the first book to go beyond -- and reveal the severe limitations of -- the "Modern Synthesis" that has dominated evolutionary biology for almost three generations. Lynn Margulis, whom E. O. Wilson called "one of the most successful synthetic thinkers in modern biology," and her co-author Dorion Sagan have written a comprehensive and scientifically supported presentation of a theory that directly challenges the assumptions we hold about the variety of the living world.

This book interweaves the author’s personal story and observations of nature, with scientific research, and philosophical reflection. It tells the story of nearly three decades of labor to ecologically restore twenty-one acres of ruined land near Dayton, Ohio. This story and what the author has observed motivate reflection on the human relationship to soil, the inner lives of animals, the intelligence of plants, and human psychology. The book advances the case for the intelligence and kinship of all living things, an ethic of respect for life, and the need to radically rethink how human societies live on Earth.

This book provides a distinctive, radical way beyond the quarrels between evolutionary science and Christian belief. Leading scientists, philosophers, and theologians critically discuss the metaphysical assumptions of neo-Darwinism and offer concrete ways of broadening mainstream evolutionary theory. Their open exchange, moderated by veteran process theologian John B. Cobb, presents a holistic case for evolution that both theists and nontheists can accept. Contributors: Francisco J. Ayala Ian G. Barbour Charles Birch Philip Clayton John B. Cobb Jr. John Greene David Ray Griffin A. Y. Gunter John F. Haught Lynn Margulis Reg Morrison Dorion Sagan Jeffrey Schloss Robert J. Valenza Howard J. Van Till

Encyclopedia of Virology, Fourth Edition, Five Volume Set builds on the solid foundation laid by the previous editions, expanding its reach with new and timely topics. In five volumes, the work provides comprehensive coverage of the whole virosphere, making this a unique resource. Content explores viruses present in the environment and the pathogenic viruses of humans, animals, plants and microorganisms. Key areas and concepts concerning virus classification, structure, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prevention are discussed, guiding the reader through chapters that are presented at an accessible level, and include further readings for those needing more specific information. More than ever now, with the Covid19 pandemic, we are seeing the huge impact viruses have on our life and society. This encyclopedia is a must-have resource for scientists and practitioners, and a great source of information for the wider public. Offers students and researchers a one-stop shop for information on virology not easily available elsewhere Fills a critical gap of information in a field that has seen significant progress in recent years Authored and edited by recognized experts in the field, with a range of different expertise, thus ensuring a high-quality standard

Genomes 4 has been completely revised and updated. It is a thoroughly modern textbook about genomes and how they are investigated. As with Genomes 3, techniques come first, then genome anatomies, followed by genome function, and finally genome evolution. The genomes of all types of organism are covered: viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals including humans and other hominids. Genome sequencing and assembly methods have been thoroughly revised including a survey of four genome projects: human, Neanderthal, giant panda, and barley. Coverage of genome annotation emphasizes genome-wide RNA mapping, with CRISPR-Cas 9 and GWAS methods of determining gene function covered. The knowledge gained from these techniques forms the basis of the three chapters that describe the three main types of genomes: eukaryotic, prokaryotic (including eukaryotic organelles), and viral (including mobile genetic elements). Coverage of genome expression and replication is truly genomic, concentrating on the genome-wide implications of DNA packaging, epigenome modifications, DNA-binding proteins, non-coding RNAs, regulatory genome sequences, and protein-protein interactions. Also included are applications of transcriptome analysis, metabolomics, and systems biology. The final chapter is on genome evolution, focusing on the evolution of the epigenome, using genomics to study human evolution, and using population genomics to advance plant breeding. Established methods of molecular biology are included if they are still relevant today and there is always an explanation as to why the method is still important. Each chapter has a set of short-answer questions, in-depth problems, and annotated further reading. There is also an extensive glossary. Genomes 4 is the ideal text for upper level courses focused on genomes and genomics.

Genomes 5 has been completely revised and updated. It is a thoroughly modern textbook about genomes and how they are investigated. As with previous Genomes editions, techniques come first, then genome anatomies, followed by genome function, and finally genome evolution. The genomes of all types of organism are covered: viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals, including humans and other hominids. Genome sequencing and assembly methods have been thoroughly revised to include new developments in long-read DNA sequencing. Coverage of genome annotation emphasizes genome-wide RNA mapping, with CRISPR-Cas 9 and GWAS methods of determining gene function covered. The knowledge gained from these techniques forms the basis of the chapters that describe the three main types of genomes: eukaryotic, prokaryotic (including eukaryotic organelles), and viral (including mobile genetic elements). Coverage of genome expression and replication is truly genomic, concentrating on the genome-wide implications of DNA packaging, epigenome modifications, DNA-binding proteins, non-coding RNAs, regulatory genome sequences, and protein-protein interactions. Also included are examples of the applications of metabolomics and systems biology. The final chapter is on genome evolutionn, including the evolution of the epigenome, using genomics to study human evolution, and using population genomics to advance plant breeding. Established methods of molecular biology are included if they are still relevant today and there is always an explanation as to why the method is still important. Genomes 5 is the ideal text for upper-level courses focused on genomes and genomics. Key Features A highly accessible and well-structured book with chapters organized into four parts to aid navigation Superb artwork illustrates the key concepts and mechanisms Each chapter has a set of short-answer questions and in-depth problems to test the reader’s understanding of the material Thoroughly up to date with references to the latest research from the 2020s

Covering molecular genetics from the basics through to genome expression and molecular phylogenetics, Genomes 3 is the latest edition of this pioneering textbook. Newly updated to incorporate the recent major advances, Genomes 3 is an invaluable companion for any undergraduate throughout their studies in molecular genetics. Following extensive reviewing, the new edition has been significantly restructured. The single chapter on genome anatomies has been expanded into three chapters to incorporate the latest sequencing achievements. An additional chapter on understanding genome expression has also been included, while the chapters on studying genomes have been brought to the front of the book to align it more closely to the practical reality of molecular genetics tuition. The end-of-chapter exercises have been overhauled and extended to give students and lecturers a much wider range of tests and challenges. Multiple choice questions have been included for the first time and an innovative figure test has been introduced to test readers' visual understanding.