Author

Publication

2010 - Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Mass, Massachusetts

Language

English

Word Count

49,500 words, Guess

Page Count

198 pages

Identifiers

and 2 more
  • Better World Books9780674050754
  • Open LibraryOL24379441M

Classifications

  • DDC572.8/8
  • LCCQP623 .Y367 2010
  • LCCQP623.Y367 2010

Description

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.

Subjects

Topics

Other Editions

  • Life from an RNA world: the ancestor withinHarvard University Press2010-01-01

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