The Coiled Spring: How Life Begins

by Ethan Bier

Bier (biology, U. of California-San Diego) offers lay readers and general science students an accessible account of developmental biology, focusing on the principles underlying embryonic development in animals and plants. He discusses such aspects as the central dogma of biology, establishing the primary axes of vertebrate embryos, and patterning plant appendages. He also includes biographical sketches of people who have contributed signally to the field. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

252 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2000

Reviews

[mcburton]

One of my college textbooks I made sure to keep. This stands out from other textbooks in that it doesn't hold back (the Central Dogma is laid out in the introduction). Good introduction to the big picture of biology for non-biologists.