SPERM BIOLOGY – An Evolutionary Perspective

av Tim R. Birkhead

Inbunden bok. Academic Press. 2008. 674 sidor.

Nyskick. – FÖRLAGSNY! –– Represents the first analysis of the evolutionary significance of sperm phenotypes and derived sperm traits and the possible selection pressures responsible for sperm-egg coevolution. An understanding of sperm evolution is fast developing and promises to shed light on many topics from basic reproductive biology to the evolutionary process itself as well as the sperm proteome, the sperm genome and the quantitative genetics of sperm. The Editors have identified 15 topics of current interest and biological significance to cover all aspects of this bizarre, fascinating and important subject. It comprises the most comprehensive and up-to-date review of the evolution of sperm and pointers for future research, written by experts in both sperm biology and evolutionary biology. The combination of evolution and sperm is a potent mix, and this is the definitive account. / "The editors have gathered a veritable glitterati of reproductive biologists to author this book, with outstanding records in sperm evolution, from broad to intimate perspectives. Sperm Evolution does an excellent job of breaking down boundaries between biological disciplines, and without taxonomic bias, by integrating current knowledge across a wide range of expertises within sperm biology, from protein biochemistry and biophysics to evolutionary theory and social aspects of human fertility. The overall package provides an in-depth understanding of this important cell from a questions-driven research perspective, within the simple Darwinian framework that underpins all biology. / There is plenty in this book for both researchers and lay-readers. For the latter, amazing facts such as the 6cm long sperm of Drosphila bifurca will surely impress even the most cynical of cocktail-party guests. For the researchers, this book is packed with up-to-date facts and concepts by true leaders across the field. /
Readers of this book can be confident that they are absorbing information about an exponential rise in reproductive biology with broad perspectives, which is set to continue; there remains great potential for important scientific discoveries to be developed and many are identified throughout. What explains the exceptional variety in sperm morphology? Sperm of some species show profound changes in behaviour throughout their life-history, such as hyperactivation or immotility: what mechanisms control this and why? We know that female-derived signals can attract sperm: how do sperm orientate across such gradients? Evidence is increasing that female differential sperm selection is a real phenomenon: how does it happen and how much haploid information do sperm express? On entering the egg, are there undiscovered mechanisms within the ovum before haplotype fusion? Fertilization is a remarkably important, yet still understood ..." Dr Matt Gage. –– GLÖM INTE ATT TITTA PÅ ALLA MINA ANDRA BÖCKER! –– Samma fraktpris oavsett hur många böcker du beställer! (Gäller inom Sverige)