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Nick Lane

Power, sex, suicide

It is thought that approximately one and a half billion years ago two types of bacteria forged a symbiotic union to create the eukaryotic cell. Those that became mitochondria may seem to have the subservient role, but in this work by Nick Lane we hear how recent discoveries in the subject are changing this view. The presence of mitochondria not only allowed eukaryotic cells to become much larger than bacteria, but also enabled them to join together to form multicellular organisms. Mitochodnria then had an important part to play in preventing cells from rebelling. They were also involved in the evolution of sex, and explain why there are two distinct sexes.

The final chapter of the book looks at the part mitochondria play in ageing, and how we might be able to slow it down. I feel that it is important that as many people as possible find out about these possibilities in order to have an imformed debate about the ethical issues.

Although this work is aimed at non-specialists, I think that readers without some background knowledge of cellular biology are likely to struggle. The book looks at recent research, often requiring subtle arguments on why we think differently now from 20 or 30 years ago. However, if you do have the required background knowledge then reading this book will be very rewarding.

Amazon.com info

Hardcover 368 pages
ISBN: 0192804812
Salesrank: 546168
Weight:1.59 lbs

Published: 2005 Oxford University Press, USA

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Amazon.co.uk info

Hardcover 368 pages
ISBN: 0192804812
Salesrank: 260840
Weight:1.59 lbs

Published: 2005 Oxford University Press

Amazon price £18.99

Marketplace:New from £15.76:Used from £8.00

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Amazon.ca info

Hardcover 368 pages
ISBN: 0192804812
Salesrank: 110384
Weight:1.59 lbs

Published: 2005 Oxford University Press

Amazon price CDN$ 25.83

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Product Description
If it weren't for mitochondria, scientists argue, we'd all still be single-celled bacteria. Indeed, these tiny structures inside our cells are important beyond imagining. Without mitochondria, we would have no cell suicide, no sculpting of embryonic shape, no sexes, no menopause, no aging. In this fascinating and thought-provoking book, Nick Lane brings together the latest research in this exciting field to show how our growing insight into mitochondria has shed light on how complex life evolved, why sex arose (why don't we just bud?), and why we age and die. These findings are of fundamental importance, both in understanding life on Earth, but also in controlling our own illnesses, and delaying our degeneration and death. Readers learn that two billion years ago, mitochondria were probably bacteria living independent lives and that their capture within larger cells was a turning point in the evolution of life, enabling the development of complex organisms. Lane describes how mitochondria have their own DNA and that its genes mutate much faster than those in the nucleus. This high mutation rate lies behind our aging and certain congenital diseases. The latest research suggests that mitochondria play a key role in degenerative diseases such as cancer. We also discover that mitochondrial DNA is passed down almost exclusively via the female line. That's why it has been used by some researchers to trace human ancestry daughter-to-mother, to "Mitochondrial Eve," giving us vital information about our evolutionary history. Written by Nick Lane, a rising star in popular science, Power, Sex, Suicide is the first book for general readers on the nature and function of these tiny, yet fascinating structures.

Product Description

If it weren't for mitochondria, scientists argue, we'd all still be single-celled bacteria. Indeed, these tiny structures inside our cells are important beyond imagining. Without mitochondria, we would have no cell suicide, no sculpting of embryonic shape, no sexes, no menopause, no aging.
In this fascinating and thought-provoking book, Nick Lane brings together the latest research in this exciting field to show how our growing insight into mitochondria has shed light on how complex life evolved, why sex arose (why don't we just bud?), and why we age and die. These findings are of fundamental importance, both in understanding life on Earth, but also in controlling our own illnesses, and delaying our degeneration and death. Readers learn that two billion years ago, mitochondria were probably bacteria living independent lives and that their capture within larger cells was a turning point in the evolution of life, enabling the development of complex organisms. Lane describes how mitochondria have their own DNA and that its genes mutate much faster than those in the nucleus. This high mutation rate lies behind our aging and certain congenital diseases. The latest research suggests that mitochondria play a key role in degenerative diseases such as cancer. We also discover that mitochondrial DNA is passed down almost exclusively via the female line. That's why it has been used by some researchers to trace human ancestry daughter-to-mother, to "Mitochondrial Eve," giving us vital information about our evolutionary history.
Written by Nick Lane, a rising star in popular science, Power, Sex, Suicide is the first book for general readers on the nature and function of these tiny, yet fascinating structures.

mitochondria and everything *****
More interesting than most novels. A plausible and erudite explanation of why multicellular life, aging and sex, all must exist; being logically consequential to mitochondria. A grand synthesis.

mitochondria and everything *****

More interesting than most novels. A plausible and erudite explanation of why multicellular life, aging and sex, all must exist; being logically consequential to mitochondria. A grand synthesis.

Power, Sex & Suicide *****
A review aimed at science teachers: Nick Lane's Power, Sex, Suicide. Mitochondria and the Meaning of Life (Oxford 2005, £10) provided me with every reason to wish I was still the same age as when Monty Python were in their heyday. I nearly poked a fellow Virgin passenger, deep in a Women's Weekly, in the ribs to exclaim, `Guess what! Did you know our endoplasmic reticulum is bacterial in origin!' but I was too scared she would respond with `Guess what! Brittany Spears wore a lace dress to the Oscars,' so I behaved myself, for once. This book is as remarkable as Oxygen, the Molecule that Made the World. Nearly every page brims with exciting teacher-friendly snippets: mitochondria contribute 10% of our total mass and up to 40% of certain cells. Every chapter encapsulates discussion on long debated issues and reaches out for cross disciplinary intercourse: evolutionary biology and chemistry (iron-sulfur minerals catalysed the pH differential in primordial bacteria, in a semblance to the bioenergetics of the hydrogen pump of the mitochondrial inner membrane), fractal mathematics (power laws in biology), and genetics (the gene transfer `ratchet' which drives mitochondrial (and chloroplast) genes to the nucleus but not the other way round, and why these two organelles always keep a few of their original genes). Best of all, this is a book summarises of 21st century research results and debates, and therefore is highly recommended for any teacher of senior biology, and probably chemistry, too. Here are just some of the highlights (for me) anyway: * Mitochondria control apoptosis - the process of cell destruction that lies at the heart of embryology - and aging. * Mitochondria do this by leaking free radicals - but there are checks and balances here, so that a small increase in free radicals simply signals the nuclear mitochondrial genes (a process known as a retrograde response) to be transcribed, enabling more respiratory complexes to be built. Too much free radical leakage for repair and the apoptosis cascade ensues. * Mitochondria are the reason there are two sexes: it is well known that, in general, paternal mitochondria are excluded during fertilization. However, mitochondrial `fitness' is also tested severely during oocyte development in female fetuses (ie, before birth, when oocytes are culled from around 7 to 2 million.). Early in fetal development, when the fertilized egg divides, the mitochondria do not, so that the original population is reduced from about 100,000 in the zygote to around perhaps only 10 (according to one researcher) per cell. In each cell, these few mitochondria circle the nucleus, as if there is an exchange of information about compatibility of nuclear and mitochondrial genes coding for mitochondrial proteins. All this was news to me. * Mitochondria have two functions: to produce energy (ATP) and to generate heat. There is general evidence for natural selection in human populations operating at mitochondrial level: people living at the poles have more uncoupling of respiratory pathways, thereby generating more heat and the price for them may be a decreased fertility. People whose genetic history developed in tropical regions (for example, African peoples) have greater aerobic capacity - but the price is greater intolerance of fatty Western diets - making them particularly vulnerable to diseases linked with free radical damage - diabetes and heart disease. * How did Lane come to realize that mitochondria rule the world? While researching methods for predicting the success of organ transplants, he discovered that if the mitochondria die within minutes of being transplanted (for example, when they come in contact with oxygen again, via the recipient's blood), the organ is doomed, no matter how healthy it looks. This is the kind of story that will rope in the kids, for sure!

Power, Sex & Suicide *****

A review aimed at science teachers:

Nick Lane's Power, Sex, Suicide. Mitochondria and the Meaning of Life (Oxford 2005, £10) provided me with every reason to wish I was still the same age as when Monty Python were in their heyday. I nearly poked a fellow Virgin passenger, deep in a Women's Weekly, in the ribs to exclaim, `Guess what! Did you know our endoplasmic reticulum is bacterial in origin!' but I was too scared she would respond with `Guess what! Brittany Spears wore a lace dress to the Oscars,' so I behaved myself, for once.

This book is as remarkable as Oxygen, the Molecule that Made the World. Nearly every page brims with exciting teacher-friendly snippets: mitochondria contribute 10% of our total mass and up to 40% of certain cells. Every chapter encapsulates discussion on long debated issues and reaches out for cross disciplinary intercourse: evolutionary biology and chemistry (iron-sulfur minerals catalysed the pH differential in primordial bacteria, in a semblance to the bioenergetics of the hydrogen pump of the mitochondrial inner membrane), fractal mathematics (power laws in biology), and genetics (the gene transfer `ratchet' which drives mitochondrial (and chloroplast) genes to the nucleus but not the other way round, and why these two organelles always keep a few of their original genes). Best of all, this is a book summarises of 21st century research results and debates, and therefore is highly recommended for any teacher of senior biology, and probably chemistry, too. Here are just some of the highlights (for me) anyway:

* Mitochondria control apoptosis - the process of cell destruction that lies at the heart of embryology - and aging.
* Mitochondria do this by leaking free radicals - but there are checks and balances here, so that a small increase in free radicals simply signals the nuclear mitochondrial genes (a process known as a retrograde response) to be transcribed, enabling more respiratory complexes to be built. Too much free radical leakage for repair and the apoptosis cascade ensues.
* Mitochondria are the reason there are two sexes: it is well known that, in general, paternal mitochondria are excluded during fertilization. However, mitochondrial `fitness' is also tested severely during oocyte development in female fetuses (ie, before birth, when oocytes are culled from around 7 to 2 million.). Early in fetal development, when the fertilized egg divides, the mitochondria do not, so that the original population is reduced from about 100,000 in the zygote to around perhaps only 10 (according to one researcher) per cell. In each cell, these few mitochondria circle the nucleus, as if there is an exchange of information about compatibility of nuclear and mitochondrial genes coding for mitochondrial proteins. All this was news to me.
* Mitochondria have two functions: to produce energy (ATP) and to generate heat. There is general evidence for natural selection in human populations operating at mitochondrial level: people living at the poles have more uncoupling of respiratory pathways, thereby generating more heat and the price for them may be a decreased fertility. People whose genetic history developed in tropical regions (for example, African peoples) have greater aerobic capacity - but the price is greater intolerance of fatty Western diets - making them particularly vulnerable to diseases linked with free radical damage - diabetes and heart disease.
* How did Lane come to realize that mitochondria rule the world? While researching methods for predicting the success of organ transplants, he discovered that if the mitochondria die within minutes of being transplanted (for example, when they come in contact with oxygen again, via the recipient's blood), the organ is doomed, no matter how healthy it looks. This is the kind of story that will rope in the kids, for sure!

Was I reading the same book as other reviewers? **
I have been deeply interested in mitochondria for many, many years. I've read both medical articles as well as very excellent lay books (such as Lynn Margulis' Early Life, de Duve's Vital Dust). When I saw this book, I had to have it, especially in view of all the raving reviews. I got out my highlighting pen and notebook, to make sure I extracted every possible morsel from it. Well, I can't even get though it. It was tedious, boring, distracted, fractured... and who is Nick Lane? I did a web search and found nothing about him. If you want to find out why mitochondria are critical to our life and evolution, written in a very accessible, even lyrical way, by a Nobel Laureate who really knows what he's talking about, read Christian de Duve's "Vital Dust." It's not about mitochondria per se, but explains the role of mitos and the origins of life.

Was I reading the same book as other reviewers? **

I have been deeply interested in mitochondria for many, many years. I've read both medical articles as well as very excellent lay books (such as Lynn Margulis' Early Life, de Duve's Vital Dust). When I saw this book, I had to have it, especially in view of all the raving reviews.

I got out my highlighting pen and notebook, to make sure I extracted every possible morsel from it.

Well, I can't even get though it. It was tedious, boring, distracted, fractured... and who is Nick Lane? I did a web search and found nothing about him.

If you want to find out why mitochondria are critical to our life and evolution, written in a very accessible, even lyrical way, by a Nobel Laureate who really knows what he's talking about, read Christian de Duve's "Vital Dust." It's not about mitochondria per se, but explains the role of mitos and the origins of life.

everything a popular science book should be *****
While this book is not easy reading, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Nick Lane does not try to oversimplify the intricacies of the molecular biology underlying the workings of a cell, but shows how the details are necessary to understand how and why it all came to be. I am amazed at how he managed to distil a vast quantity of mostly very recent scientific research into not only a readable, but also a visionary book. The speculative parts of the book need to be taken with a grain of salt. However, after reading this book my attention is drawn to articles on mitochondria in Nature and Science, articles which I would certainly have shirked before reading this book.

everything a popular science book should be *****

While this book is not easy reading, I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Nick Lane does not try to oversimplify the intricacies of the molecular biology
underlying the workings of a cell, but shows how the details are necessary to
understand how and why it all came to be. I am amazed at how he managed
to distil a vast quantity of mostly very recent scientific research into not only
a readable, but also a visionary book. The speculative parts of the book need
to be taken with a grain of salt. However, after reading this book my attention
is drawn to articles on mitochondria in Nature and Science, articles which I would
certainly have shirked before reading this book.

Ohh mitochondria, tell us the truth *****
What a book, absolutely fascinating and highly recommended, although I must say that this is not an easy book, in fact is kind of complex if you are not acquainted with the subject. This is not a critic, thing is I would not change a bit of it, but in my opinion, people should have a little knowledge of cellular metabolism and biochemistry before attempting this book. After reading Dawkins book about the selfish gene, it was inevitable for me to wonder about life origins, why unicellular organisms have that tendency to complexity and to group itself, and how all this machinery works. This book provide a thorough and absorbing introduction of Mitochondria and its symbiosis with eukaryotes, what is the function of each one, why there are two sexes and why we aged and finally become history. As you will see, our understanding of these matters is rather modest, the author insinuate possible solutions to some of the big questions, but in any case the subject is so interesting that you read this book excited all the way to the end. How beautiful is life and how complex ... you can see that just watching a little fly and wonder how on earth this insect manage to fly, as if eukaryotes have a previous knowledge of Physics, as if they have all the basic solutions of nature in a template. I just know one thing: I want to know and read more about it.

Ohh mitochondria, tell us the truth *****

What a book, absolutely fascinating and highly recommended, although I must say that this is not an easy book, in fact is kind of complex if you are not acquainted with the subject. This is not a critic, thing is I would not change a bit of it, but in my opinion, people should have a little knowledge of cellular metabolism and biochemistry before attempting this book.

After reading Dawkins book about the selfish gene, it was inevitable for me to wonder about life origins, why unicellular organisms have that tendency to complexity and to group itself, and how all this machinery works. This book provide a thorough and absorbing introduction of Mitochondria and its symbiosis with eukaryotes, what is the function of each one, why there are two sexes and why we aged and finally become history. As you will see, our understanding of these matters is rather modest, the author insinuate possible solutions to some of the big questions, but in any case the subject is so interesting that you read this book excited all the way to the end.

How beautiful is life and how complex ... you can see that just watching a little fly and wonder how on earth this insect manage to fly, as if eukaryotes have a previous knowledge of Physics, as if they have all the basic solutions of nature in a template. I just know one thing: I want to know and read more about it.

Excellent! *****
A fascinating overview of the importance of mitochondria, with some speculation clearly explained. It's a complicated subject, but extremely well written. Overpriced? hardly. Not sure what the previous reviewer thought the pictures could be of, anyway...

Excellent! *****

A fascinating overview of the importance of mitochondria, with some speculation clearly explained. It's a complicated subject, but extremely well written. Overpriced? hardly. Not sure what the previous reviewer thought the pictures could be of, anyway...

Best book of the year ****
Although I was initially put off by the gimmicky title I am pleased to report that this is a really good book and should suit those with an interest in cellular biology or evolution. I feared that this would be one of those pop-science books full of sloppy terminology and exclaimation marks.In the event this was a fascinating read about the evolution of the eukaryotic cell, and the role of mitochondria. Difficult to put down. Buy it.

Best book of the year ****

Although I was initially put off by the gimmicky title I am pleased to report that this is a really good book and should suit those with an interest in cellular biology or evolution.
I feared that this would be one of those pop-science books full of sloppy terminology and exclaimation marks.In the event this was a fascinating read about the evolution of the eukaryotic cell, and the role of mitochondria. Difficult to put down. Buy it.

Outstanding *****
This book is really outstanding. It contains a tremendous lot of interesting new information. Highly recommended!

Outstanding *****

This book is really outstanding. It contains a tremendous lot of interesting new information. Highly recommended!

Mitochondria Revisited ****
Cellular biology is a subject, which falls between the interesting and complicated. It is for this reason I warn the reader that unless you have an unquenchable thirst for this subject, think twice about reading this book. For the biologically-orientated individual however, this is an excellent book, which takes account of recent developments and discoveries. It is very readable and the author has made a complex subject a somewhat absorbing field. The reason for the 4 stars is the price. Given the lack of illustrations, the price is a bit on the high side.

Mitochondria Revisited ****

Cellular biology is a subject, which falls between the interesting and complicated. It is for this reason I warn the reader that unless you have an unquenchable thirst for this subject, think twice about reading this book. For the biologically-orientated individual however, this is an excellent book, which takes account of recent developments and discoveries. It is very readable and the author has made a complex subject a somewhat absorbing field. The reason for the 4 stars is the price. Given the lack of illustrations, the price is a bit on the high side.

Finally - Biochemistry makes sense! *****
I thought I had a firm grip on cellular and molecular biology. Within about 5 pages, I realized that I had never fully integrated the knowledge I had learned in university, and I had never seen the purposes and greater implications of the biological processes with which I thought I was so familiar. This book is probably the best popular science book I have ever read (and I've read many!), and I will be using it as a textbook in the first year undergraduate courses that I teach. The explanations are easy to understand, the analogies strengthen comprehension, the ideas discussed are more far-reaching than anything you are likely to find in any undergraduate university classroom, and the prose is almost poetic. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the origins of life, mitochondria, or indeed, Power, Sex, or Suicide!

Finally - Biochemistry makes sense! *****

I thought I had a firm grip on cellular and molecular biology. Within about 5 pages, I realized that I had never fully integrated the knowledge I had learned in university, and I had never seen the purposes and greater implications of the biological processes with which I thought I was so familiar. This book is probably the best popular science book I have ever read (and I've read many!), and I will be using it as a textbook in the first year undergraduate courses that I teach. The explanations are easy to understand, the analogies strengthen comprehension, the ideas discussed are more far-reaching than anything you are likely to find in any undergraduate university classroom, and the prose is almost poetic. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the origins of life, mitochondria, or indeed, Power, Sex, or Suicide!

The meaning of life *****
I've just spent the last month absorbing Nick Lane's fabulous new book on mitochondria. Like a fine wine, it deserves a slow savoring to appreciate all the complexities it presents. In this reader's opinion it is definitely one of the most intriguing and compelling of stories in current science. Beautifully and clearly written, each page abounds with well thought-out arguments illustrating the central importance of mitochondria in the evolution of life on earth. From their origin and initial improbable symbiosis with other cells; their critical regulation of cellular processes, such as energy generation and programmed cell death; their involvement in the development of the sexes; to their final role in the degeneration of tissues during aging, mitochondria have mediated the complexity of life as we know it. A thrilling scientific exploration and a must read for anyone interested in the Meaning of Life.

The meaning of life *****

I've just spent the last month absorbing Nick Lane's fabulous new book on mitochondria. Like a fine wine, it deserves a slow savoring to appreciate all the complexities it presents. In this reader's opinion it is definitely one of the most intriguing and compelling of stories in current science. Beautifully and clearly written, each page abounds with well thought-out arguments illustrating the central importance of mitochondria in the evolution of life on earth.

From their origin and initial improbable symbiosis with other cells; their critical regulation of cellular processes, such as energy generation and programmed cell death; their involvement in the development of the sexes; to their final role in the degeneration of tissues during aging, mitochondria have mediated the complexity of life as we know it. A thrilling scientific exploration and a must read for anyone interested in the Meaning of Life.