Life from an RNA World

“Although precise historical details of the particular origin of life on Earth are probably unknowable, most scientists agree that a world existed in which RNA performed the duties of both genes and enzymes. This RNA world in turn evolved into the DNA–RNA–protein world of today. Michael Yarus’s Life from an RNA World offers an engaging introduction to the subject… Recent discoveries make Yarus’s book particularly timely, especially as a light-hearted introduction for scientifically minded readers outside the field. His chatty prose conveys the voice of a tour guide on a journey through the RNA world, introducing essential evolutionary and molecular biology and pointing out must-not-miss attractions. Even members of the origins-of-life community may appreciate his whimsical explanations of familiar phenomena.”—Irene A. Chen, Science

“Michael Yarus’ book is a very enjoyable read, be the reader a well informed molecular biologist, or a lay person… Surely this book will highlight and increase the interest in the RNA world; raising the awareness that we are all, after all, the children of RNA.”—Michael Ladomery, Chemistry World

“Yarus captivates with skilled character development—but here, the ‘characters’ are the prebiotic molecules that gave rise to everything that has ever lived or is alive today on our planet.”—Thomas Cech, Distinguished Professor, University of Colorado–Boulder, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, 1989