Overview

Illuminated by a great assortment of original illustrations, this remarkable book charts the step-by-step evolution of vertebrate blood coagulation.  Intended for readers with a background in biological science, it is specifically targeted for those in the field of molecular evolution and researchers in the area of blood clotting. The orderly way in which gene duplications provided new genes for fine-tuning the system serves as a model for how complex physiological systems in general have evolved.  The book includes suggestions for specific genetic engineering experiments that can be done to illustrate how molecular evolution works. An extensive glossary and guide to the current literature combine to make this book ideal for course use as well as for self study.

Full Product Details

9781891389818

Table of Contents

Reviews

'Couldn't put it down! This book is simply wonderful. Although I already knew much of the science, it was explained in a way that helped me to put this work into the context of the larger narrative of molecular evolution.' - Kenneth R Miller, Brown University, USA 'A fully enjoyable discussion of the evolution of blood clotting that can be appreciated by everyone from the seasoned protein chemist to the student wanting to learn the logic behind evolutionary studies. Dr. Doolittle's clear and engaging writing style makes complex concepts easy to follow.' - Naomi Esmon, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, USA 'Timely and engaging! The debate over evolution vs. creationism is always present, and the topic of blood clotting is of great interest.' - Michael Dans, MD, PhD, San Francisco Dermatology, Inc. 'What a lovely little book capturing the life work of one of the leaders in the study of the evolution of proteins. From lamprey to man, Dr. Doolittle writes about the evolution of the blood clotting system with a historical perspective. This was a very enjoyable read.' - Sandra Degen, University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital, USA

'Couldn't put it down! This book is simply wonderful. Although I already knew much of the science, it was explained in a way that helped me to put this work into the context of the larger narrative of molecular evolution.' - Kenneth R Miller, Brown University, USA 'A fully enjoyable discussion of the evolution of blood clotting that can be appreciated by everyone from the seasoned protein chemist to the student wanting to learn the logic behind evolutionary studies. Dr. Doolittle's clear and engaging writing style makes complex concepts easy to follow.' - Naomi Esmon, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, USA 'What a lovely little book capturing the life work of one of the leaders in the study of the evolution of proteins. From lamprey to man, Dr. Doolittle writes about the evolution of the blood clotting system with a historical perspective. This was a very enjoyable read.' - Sandra Degen, University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital, USA

Author Information

RUSSELL DOOLITTLE is an Emeritus Professor at the University of California, San Diego, USA, where he has spent most of his long career. He received his PhD in Biochemistry from Harvard University in 1962. His research interests have centred on the structure and evolution of proteins in general and, more particularly, on blood clotting proteins, an interest he developed while a graduate student at Harvard. He is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Philosophical Society.

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