Description
Taylor & Francis Ltd Genetics And Randomness 2009 Edition by Anatoly Ruvinsky
Analyzes Randomness in Major Genetic Processes and EventsNo matter how far science advances, the proportion of what is knowable to what is random will remain unchanged, and attempts to ignore this critical threshold are futile at best. With the revolutionary explosion in genetic information discovery, it is crucially important to recognize the underlying limitations of scientific prediction in genetics. Genetics and Randomness furthers the understanding of the role randomness plays in critical biological processes. The book also navigates the complex nature of genetic uncertainty from different points of view and at various levels of biological organization. Avoids Unnecessary Technical Details and Specific Terminology Exploring areas ranging from basic quantum mechanics and molecular genetics to modern evolutionary genetics and the philosophy of mathematics, this well-organized text discusses:Spontaneity of mutations and their relation to subatomic randomnessDeep links between subatomic fluctuations and long-term macroscopic changes in living organismsThe multitude of random events that occur during developmentSegregation, genetic drift, and natural selectionRandomness and uncertainty are not occasional and regretful deviations from the "true" principles upon which life is built. Genetics and Randomness illustrates the ubiquitous nature of randomness as an integral feature of all essential processes, effectively embracing a probabilistic understanding of the phenomena of life. Limits and uncertainty in nature and logicLimits of natureQuantum uncertainty principleStatistical mechanics and Brownian motionRandomness in mathematicsLimits of reasoning: randomness and complexity as the general feature of nature and mindQuantum fluctuations, mutations, and "fixation" of uncertaintyNature of genes and mutations: the early attemptsMutations and repairTypes of mutationsKeto-enol transitions and quantum uncertaintyInduced mutations and DNA repairHow do random molecular events like mutations become facts of life?Somatic and germ cell mutationsQuantum uncertainty and unpredictability of lifeOther quantum phenomena and lifeRecombination and randomnessWhat is recombination?Crossing-overMolecular nature of recombinationDistribution of cross-overs along chromosomesMeiotic recombination generates randomnessOrigin of meiosis and sexRecombination and chromosome rearrangementsGenome transformations and speciationIntron-exon structure of eukaryotic genes: randomness againArranged randomness and immune responseUncertainty of developmentPhenotype and genotypeStochasticity of development: clones and twinsMosaics and chimerasAlternative splicing and variety of proteinsStochastic nature of gene activityEpigenetic basis of developmental variabilityRandom gene inactivation eventsRandom X chromosome inactivationGene networks and canalizationTypes of randomnessOrganized randomnessGregor Mendel's visionRandom segregation, uncertainty, and combinatorial variabilityGenes and chromosomes that violate the lawWhy is the first Mendelian law so common?Randomness rulesRandom genetic drift and "deterministic" selectionThe discovery of genetic driftNeutral mutations in evolutionIs natural selection deterministic?Adaptations and stochastic processes in evolutionLife: Making uncertainty certain Order from chaosWhat is life?The old comparison: physics and biologyNatural selection: biology and beyondRandomness: nuisance or essence?The reason and the consequence