Why DNA? (Paperback)

Paperback. Information is central to the evolution of biological complexity, a physical system relying on a continuous supply of energy. Biology provides superb examples of the consequent Darwinian selection of mechanisms for efficient energy utilisation. Genetic information, underpinned by the Watson-Crick base-pairing rules is largely encoded by DNA, a molecule uniquely adapted to its roles in information storage and utilisation.This volume addresses two fundamental questions. Firstly, what properties of the molecule have enabled it to become the predominant genetic material in the biological world today and secondly, to what extent have the informational properties of the molecule contributed to the expansion of biological diversity and the stability of ecosystems. The author argues that bringing these two seemingly unrelated topics together enables Schroedinger's What is Life?, published before the structure of DNA was known, to be revisited and his ideas examined in the context of our current biological understanding. Describes how the physical chemistry of the DNA molecule links biological complexity, information flux and evolution to energy. Revisits Schroedinger's What is Life? published before the structure of DNA was known, and examines Schroedinger's ideas in the context of our current biological understanding. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.…