All living things are remarkably complex, yet their DNA is unstable, undergoing countless random mutations over generations. Despite this instability, most animals do not grow two heads or die, plants continue to thrive, and bacteria continue to divide. Robustness and Evolvability in Living Systems tackles this perplexing paradox. The book explores why genetic changes do not cause organisms to fail catastrophically and how evolution shapes organisms' robustness. Andreas Wagner looks at this problem from the ground up, starting with the alphabet of DNA, the genetic code, RNA, and protein molecules, moving on to genetic networks and embryonic development, and working his way up to whole organisms. He then develops an evolutionary explanation for robustness.
Wagner shows how evolution by natural selection preferentially finds and favors robust solutions to the problems organisms face in surviving and reproducing. Such robustness, he argues, also enhances the potential for future evolutionary innovation. Wagner also argues that robustness has less to do with organisms having plenty of spare parts (the redundancy theory that has been popular) and more to do with the reality that mutations can change organisms in ways that do not substantively affect their fitness.
Unparalleled in its field, this book offers the most detailed analysis available of all facets of robustness within organisms. It will appeal not only to biologists but also to engineers interested in the design of robust systems and to social scientists concerned with robustness in human communities and populations.
Le informazioni nella sezione "Riassunto" possono far riferimento a edizioni diverse di questo titolo.
Le informazioni nella sezione "Su questo libro" possono far riferimento a edizioni diverse di questo titolo.
Spese di spedizione:
EUR 2,48
In U.S.A.
Descrizione libro Condizione: New. Codice articolo 5170550-n
Descrizione libro PAP. Condizione: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Codice articolo WP-9780691134048
Descrizione libro Condizione: New. Explores why genetic changes do not cause organisms to fail catastrophically and how evolution shapes organisms' robustness. This book looks at this problem, starting with the alphabet of DNA, the genetic code, RNA, and protein molecules, moving on to genetic networks and embryonic development, and working his way up to whole organisms. Series: Princeton Studies in Complexity. Num Pages: 368 pages, 22 halftones. 51 line illus. BIC Classification: PSAJ; PSAK. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational; (U) Tertiary Education (US: College). Dimension: 234 x 155 x 28. Weight in Grams: 540. . 2007. 1st Edition. Paperback. . . . . Codice articolo V9780691134048
Descrizione libro paperback. Condizione: New. Language: ENG. Codice articolo 9780691134048
Descrizione libro Soft Cover. Condizione: new. Codice articolo 9780691134048
Descrizione libro Condizione: new. Codice articolo 3f760e354154b2ce6e0b90e69a6bb473
Descrizione libro Paperback / softback. Condizione: New. New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days. Explores why genetic changes do not cause organisms to fail catastrophically and how evolution shapes organisms' robustness. This book looks at this problem, starting with the alphabet of DNA, the genetic code, RNA, and protein molecules, moving on to genetic networks and embryonic development, and working his way up to whole organisms. Codice articolo B9780691134048
Descrizione libro Condizione: New. Codice articolo 5170550-n
Descrizione libro PAP. Condizione: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Codice articolo WP-9780691134048
Descrizione libro Paperback. Condizione: new. New. Fast Shipping and good customer service. Codice articolo Holz_New_0691134049