Origins of Sex / Mark Carlson Williams.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Williams, Mark Carlson, Author.

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

New Haven, CT : Yale University Press, [1977]

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

A fascinating and detailed examination of the evolution-and occasional devolution-of sexuality in microorganisms and more complex forms of life. Margulis and Sagan trace sex from its inauspicious beginnings in bacteria threatened by ultraviolet radiation to its intimate relation with the origin of mitotic division of nucleated cells. The origin of meiotic sex through cannibalism followed by centriole reproductive tardiness and the connection of cell symbiosis to sex and differentiation are explored."The authors have not only given us a new and exiting scenario for the evolution of sex, but have also provided us with critical ways in which we can test their hypotheses. . . . This is a stimulating book that is sure to invoke criticism and discussion; I strongly recommend it."-Symbiosis"The book is well organized and well written, leading the reader from one thought to another almost effortlessly. Background information is presented to aid those of us who are not experts in this field, and a glossary is appended. The book could be used at all levels of study, from interested undergraduates in general biology though postdoctoral students of genetics and evolution. I recommend this thought-provoking book to you for both your enjoyment and your enlightenment."-Richard W. Cheney, Jr., Journal of College Science Teaching"This book, undoubtedly controversial, is a thoughtful and original contribution to an important aspect of cellular biology."-John Langridge

Contents:

Frontmatter

CONTENTS

FIGURES

TABLES

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

PREFACE TO THE SECOND PRINTING

INTRODUCTION For Whom This Book Is Meant

1. WHAT IS LIFE?

2. WHAT IS EVOLUTION?

3. WHAT IS SEX?

4. THREATS TO DNA AND THE EMERGENCE OF SEXUALITY

5. RECOMBINATION AND BACTERIAL MATING

6. THE EMERGENCE OF PROTISTS

7. THE ORIGIN OF CHROMOSOMES

8. CHROMOSOME DEPLOYMENT IN MITOSIS

9. CANNIBALISM AND OTHER MERGERS

10. PAIRING AND HALVING

11. MEIOSIS AND CELL DIFFERENTIATION

12. BIG EGGS AND SMALL SPERM

13. THREE BILLION YEARS OF SEX

GLOSSARY

REFERENCES

INDEX

Notes:

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 24. Apr 2020)

ISBN:

9780300160987

0300160984

OCLC:

1083577447