The Origins of Sex: Three Billion Years of Genetic Recombination (The Bio-origins series) [Hardcover]

Lynn Margulis (Author), Dorion Sagan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1986 | ISBN-10: 0300033400 | ISBN-13: 978-0300033403

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

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This deeply thought-provoking book explores the evolution of sexuality, beginning with microorganisms and advancing to more complex forms of life. Its central thesis is that undulipodia (cilia, etc.) are spirochete endosymbionts whose activity within eukaryote cells (described as microbial ecosystems) is responsible for mitosis, meiosis, and in part differentiation. While the bacterial origin of microtubule systems is not as well substantiated or widely accepted as that of mitochondria and plastids, the book's interpretation of the diversity of mitotic and general reproductive patterns in protoctists (Protista) could become a new integrative paradigm. Trivial parts of this thesis are unconvincing, but only for want of greater experimental citation or documentation. An impressive and important work. Walter P. Coombs, Jr., Biology Dept., Western New England Coll., Springfield, Mass.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 276 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (July 1, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300033400
• ISBN-13: 978-0300033403
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,221,354 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking, January 9, 2007

By 

W. H. Van Eijk - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Origins of Sex: Three Billion Years of Genetic Recombination (Bio-Origins Series) (Paperback)

Excellent presentation of arguments, although some of the central ideas have been challenged since it's publication. Evoltionary ancestors of microtubules may have been found in pro-karyotes.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Hit for the Mother/Son Team, March 12, 2002

By 

Dr W. Sumner Davis (Maine, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Origins of Sex: Three Billion Years of Genetic Recombination (Bio-Origins Series) (Paperback)

Well. I would not have been terribly suprised had this turned out to be a great book. Nonetheless, I was pleasently so when I realized I actually enjoyed it as much as Microcosmos. I don't know how much of which author went into what--and that does not really seem to matter. The ideas flow easily and evenly--the biology is straightforward and understandable, and the chronology seems (at least for me) easy to follow. In my humble opinion, another excellent book, and a must for any real thinkers library. I have mine..where's yours?