Review by Choice Review
Fox is a leader in prebiotic-evolution research, and almost 40 years of research and thought have channeled his thinking to this volume, designed to be understood by readers who have had a high school course in biology. This goal is optimistic since the narrative requires some insightful/subtle thinking about DNA, RNA, proteins, membranes and lipid function, and various philosophical-methodological concepts (e.g., determinism, constructionism). Two recurrent contrasts are presented: proteins versus nucleic acids as the germinal biomolecules, and coacervate droplets (of Oparin) versus proteinoid microspheres (of Fox). The last two chapters contain the synthesis and projection of the work. Chapter 8, "The New Evolutionary Paradigm," places thermal proteins as the products of molecular selection and the precursors of protocells that eventually lead to cells with familiar characteristics (templated cells). In the last chapter, Fox makes great leaps in complexity to the excitable cells of animal nervous systems and shows that his proteinoid microspheres have characteristics of excitable systems. Membranes are discussed at various places. With respect to the role of evolving membranes, one wonders if modern liposomes (synthetic lipid vesicles) have anything to contribute to the study of the origin/emergence of life. This little volume is one to be read and reread, slowly, over time. -T. A. Cole, Wabash College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
Biochemist Fox has a fascinating theory for the beginning of life on Earth. This volume describes the process by which Fox and a team of researchers developed a laboratory model that proves how amino acids combine to form proteins, the basic building block of cellular systems. Fox presents his subject matter in a way that will be understandable to general readers with some background in biology and chemistry. He also offers a detailed review of competing theories, specifics on the challenge his discovery makes to traditional religious beliefs, and discussion on how his findings relate to Darwin's theory of natural selection. Thought-provoking reading for the interested nonscientist. Includes illustrations; to be indexed. GRH. 577 Life-Origin / Evolution [OCLC] 87-47778
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Fox, 30-year respected researcher in biochemistry, contends that thermal proteins formed into proteinoid microspheres are the organizational precursors of life. This firsthand account presents the reasoning leading to his hypothesis along with autobiographical anecdotes and laboratory results. Fox critically reviews alternate origin-of-life paradigms but pays little attention to criticisms of his construct. His work is the best available for the nonspecialist on this currently favored hypothesis of determined protein evolution. (Readers seeking a more extensive, evenhanded review on the evolution of protolife would be better served by Robert Shapiro's Origins , LJ 1/1/86.) Recommended. Frank Reiser, Nassau Community Coll., Garden City, N.Y. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Choice Review
Review by Booklist Review
Review by Library Journal Review
