Sex and Death in Protozoa: The History of Obsession [Hardcover]

Graham Bell (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521361419 | ISBN-13: 978-0521361415 | Publication Date: September 29, 1989

This is the first detailed treatment of the long-standing, previously unresolved controversy surrounding the nature of senescence in clonal cultures. Part historical review of the literature, part detective story,Sex and Death in Protozoa presents a comprehensive but entertaining discussion of the sometimes contradictory evidence for protozoan senescence and the rejuvenating effects of sex in these organisms. Drawing on Hermann Muller's "ratchet model," Dr. Bell demonstrates in a quantitative fashion how genetic recombination (an intrinsic part of the sexual process) can eliminate the deleterious effects of accumulated mutations in clonal cultures and provide the rejuvenating effects associated with mating. This well written account by one of the leading authorities in the field is indispensable reading for those interested in the genetics and cell biology of protozoa, and more generally, those researchers and students interested in the phenomenon of senescence.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...concise, elegant, non-technical and (that rare thing) a thoroughly good read." Nature

"...Bell has clearly shown that a senescent body of data can be rejuvenated when it is mixed with fresh new ideas." Science

Product Details

• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (September 29, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521361419
• ISBN-13: 978-0521361415
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,153,546 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.