The Black Box of Biology: A History of the Molecular Revolution

Michel Morange updates the history of molecular biology at a moment when scientists are making big strides in genetic engineering and exploring new avenues, from epigenetics to systems biology. Morange places the latest findings and ideas in historical context, describing in accessible terms how transformative the molecular revolution has been.

Table of Contents:
Cover Title Page Copyright Contents Introduction PART ONE. THE BIRTH OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 1. The Roots of the New Science 2. The One Gene–One Enzyme Hypothesis 3. The Chemical Nature of the Gene 4. The Phage Group 5. The Birth of Bacterial Genetics 6. The Crystallization of the Tobacco Mosaic Virus 7. Enter the Physicists 8. The Influence of the Rockefeller Foundation 9. Physical Techniques in Molecular Biology 10. The Role of Physics PART TWO. THE DEVELOPMENT OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 11. The Discovery of the Double Helix 12. Deciphering the Genetic Code 13. The Discovery of Messenger RNA 14. The French School PART THREE. THE EXPANSION OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 15. Normal Science 16. Genetic Engineering 17. Split Genes and Splicing 18. The Discovery of Oncogenes 19. From DNA Polymerase to the Amplification of DNA PART FOUR. BEYOND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY? 20. The Molecularization of Biology and Medicine 21. Protein Structure 22. The Rise of Developmental Biology 23. Molecular Biology and Evolution 24. Gene Therapy 25. The Central Place of RNA 26. Epigenetics 27. Sequencing the Human Genome 28, Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology 29. Images, Representations, and Metaphors in Molecular Biology General Conclusion Appendix: Definition of Terms Notes Index

Review :
Anyone with serious pretentions to understand what went on in the middle of the last century in the field of molecular biology--discovery of the double helix, genetic code, going on a few decades later to the sequencing of human genome, and the rise of evolutionary development, 'evo-devo'--simply must read this book. It is comprehensive, well written (excellently translated by Matthew Cobb), and simply absorbing. -- Michael Ruse Quarterly Review of Biology An important contribution to the big history of the molecular revolution and absolutely required reading for serious students of the huge impact it has had on biology. -- Koen B. Tanghe Journal of the History of Biology Michel Morange is our finest guide to the dramatic rise of molecular biology and its persistence in our lives through genetic engineering. Brilliant, clear, and nuanced, The Black Box of Biology will become a classic in the field. -- Oren Harman, author of The Price of Altruism and Evolutions Morange's re-elaboration of his 1998 masterpiece, A History of Molecular Biology, is a gift. Compelling and masterful in its command of contemporary biology, history, and philosophy, The Black Box of Biology is a key reference for grasping the scope and roots of human interventions in the biological world. -- Sabina Leonelli, University of Exeter An original and expansive analysis of the history of molecular biology, from its origins to the rise of genomics and epigenetics. Unparalleled in its scope and insight, The Black Box of Biology should be required reading for historians and biologists seeking to understand the molecular transformation of modern biology. -- Michael Dietrich, University of Pittsburgh Written by a historian of science trained in François Jacob's laboratory, The Black Box of Biology weaves together the social, political, and scientific dimensions of the 'molecular revolution' into a compelling narrative and a fascinating read. -- Pierre-Olivier Méthot, Laval University A clear and engaging overview of all the major developments and their interrelations. This is a very useful book that should be read by all scientists and anyone interested in the study of the molecular basis of life. -- Kostas Kampourakis History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences