In the 17th century, Descartes put forth the metaphor of the machine to explain the functioning of living beings. In the 18th century, La Mettrie extended the metaphor to man. The clock was then used ...as the paradigm of the machine. In the 20th century, this metaphor still held but the clock was replaced by a computer. Nowadays, the organism is viewed as a robot obeying signals emanating from a computer program controlled by genetic information. This book shows that such a conception leads to contradictions not only in the theory of biology but also in its experimental research program, thereby impeding its development. The analysis of this problem is based on the most recent experimental data obtained in molecular biology as well as the history and philosophy of biology. It shows that the machine theory did not succeed in breaking with Aristotle's finalism. The book presents a new approach to biological systems based on cellular Darwinism. Genes are ruled by probabilistic mechanisms allowing cells to differentiate stochastically. Embryo development is not governed by a determinist genetic program but by natural selection occurring among cell populations inside the organism. This theory has considerable philosophical consequences. Man may be a machine but he is a random one.
This fully revised translation of the world-renowned German edition covers the complete and modern knowledge of plant biochemistry. The book presents the topic in a concise and simplified manner so ...that students can digest the message and gain a basic knowledge of the entire field of plant biochemistry, from photosynthesis (the synthesis of natural plant products) to all kinds of genetic engineering with its many commercial applications. Topics include cell structure and function, lipid and polysaccharide metabolism, nitrogen fixation, phloem transport, synthesis and function of isoprenoids, phenylpropanoids and other secondary metabolites, plant growth regulation and development. Heldt provides a comprehensive description of photosynthesis, primary and secondary metabolism, the function of phytohormones and molecular engineering. The text covers research findings until the end of 2003 and identifies areas of future research. There are extensive references to the most recent scientific literature.
* Illustrated with two-color diagrams and well designed metabolic schemes* Plant metabolism presented in the context of the structure and function of the plant* Many examples of commercial applications for the protection and quality improvement of harvest crops, plant breeding, and the production of raw materials for industrial use* Coverage of the latest research findings
THE GENETICS OF ENURESIS: A REVIEW von GONTARD, ALEXANDER; SCHAUMBURG, HENRITTE; HOLLMANN, ELKE ...
The Journal of urology,
12/2001, Letnik:
166, Številka:
6
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Formal studies of the genetics of enuresis have been performed since the 1930s and molecular genetics since 1995, both highlighting the importance of hereditary factors in the etiology of nocturnal ...enuresis. We summarize the current state of knowledge with respect to the genetics of nocturnal enuresis and its genotype-phenotype interactions.
A comprehensive review of the published data available on the genetic basis of enuresis was performed.
Genetic factors are the most important in the etiology of nocturnal enuresis but somatic and psychosocial environmental factors have a major modulatory effect. Most commonly, nocturnal enuresis is inherited via an autosomal dominant mode of transmission with high penetrance (90%). However, a third of all cases are sporadic, and the difference between sporadic and familial forms is not known. Four gene loci associated with nocturnal enuresis have been identified but the existence of others is presumed (locus heterogeneity). All likely candidate genes have been excluded so far. There is no specific association among the different loci, type of wetting and other aspects of the phenotype. All subtypes of nocturnal enuresis (primary, secondary, combined day/night wetting) are susceptible to comparable genetic influences. Certain syndromes of day wetting follow their own genetic mechanisms but this association with the genetics of nocturnal enuresis is not known.
Nocturnal enuresis is a common, genetic and heterogeneous disorder. The associations between genotype and phenotype are complex and are susceptible to environmental influences. Therefore, exact assessment of the clinical phenotype and identification of intermediary phenotypes or traits are needed. Future research will focus on the identification of genes, gene products and their interaction with environmental factors.
