Shaping Life : Genes, Embryos and Evolution
Smith, John Maynard
Sold by Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
AbeBooks Seller since 3 August 2006
Used - Hardcover
Condition: Used - Good
Ships within U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketSold by Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
AbeBooks Seller since 3 August 2006
Condition: Used - Good
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketFormer library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
Seller Inventory # 42726277-6
The remarkable process by which a simple undifferentiated egg turns into a complex adult organism has been, as John Maynard Smith says "until recently, mysterious". Just how it happens was identified 12 years ago by Maynard Smith as one of the outstanding problems in biology (along with how the brain works). Since 1986, there has been a revolution in our understanding of developmental biology, with the application of ideas and techniques of genetics. Maynard Smith is a well known author of important books on biology, an eminent evolutionary biologist and Emeritus Professor of Biology at the University of Sussex. In this essay he gives an account of this revolution and argues that developmental biologists should "pay attention to dynamical processes as well as to genetic control". For, complex patterns can emerge in dynamical systems "without the need for specific instructions regulating the development of particular parts". He traces the roots of the notion of "self-organisation" back to Goethe's "Naturphilosophie".
To achieve these aims he has to introduce the reader to some complex concepts such as the so-called Hox genes and their role in "switching" and activating the development of particular structures during early embryological development. Fortunately Maynard Smith is an expert communicator of scientific ideas so that his text is readily accessible. Likewise, he has to broach the concept of self-organisation. How are proteins patterned to produce biological structures? For, as Maynard Smith points out, "it is not enough to say that different genes are switched on in different places". To find the answer he predicts that dialogue will be needed between those who espouse "a global, holistic and dynamic" approach to developmental biology and those who take the more local reductionist approach, "dependent on the notions of information, regulation and control". --Douglas Palmer
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Better World Books (BWB) values your satisfaction and offers you returns within thirty (30) days after the estimated delivery date on most items. All returned items must be in the original condition; used items should include the SKU sticker located on the spine or back of the product.
If you have an incomplete, incorrect, or damaged shipment, please contact our Customer Care team via Abebooks contact seller options before proceeding with the return.Please keep in mind that because we deal mostl...
If you are a consumer you can cancel the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.
INFORMATION REGARDING THE RIGHT OF CANCELLATION
Statutory Right to cancel
You have the right to cancel this contract within 14 days for any reason.
The cancellation period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the the last good or the last lot or piece.
To exercise the right to cancel, you must inform us, Better World Books, 55740 Currant Road, 46545, Mishawaka, Indiana, U.S.A., of your decision to cancel this contract by a clear statement (e.g. a letter sent by post, fax or e-mail). You may use the attached model cancellation form, but it is not obligatory. You can also electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". If you use this option, we will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a cancellation on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.
To meet the cancellation deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right to cancel before the cancellation period has expired.
Effects of cancellation
If you cancel this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.
We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to cancel with contract.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.
You shall send back the goods or hand them over to us or Better World Books, 55740 Currant Road, 46545, Mishawaka, Indiana, U.S.A., without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your cancellation from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Exceptions to the right of cancellation
The right of cancellation does not apply to:
Model withdrawal form
(complete and return this form only if you wish to withdraw from the contract)
To: (Better World Books, 55740 Currant Road, 46545, Mishawaka, Indiana, U.S.A.)
I/We (*) hereby give notice that I/We (*) withdraw from my/our (*) contract of sale of the following goods (*)/for the provision of the following goods (*)/for the provision of the following service (*),
Ordered on (*)/received on (*)
Name of consumer(s)
Address of consumer(s)
Signature of consumer(s) (only if this form is notified on paper)
Date
* Delete as appropriate.
Please allow 1-2 business days for order fulfillment.
| Order quantity | 4 to 8 business days | 3 to 5 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 0.00 | £ 9.61 |
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.