Calculating the Secrets of Life - Applications of the Mathematical Sciences in Molecular Biology

As researchers have pursued biology's secrets to the molecular level, mathematical and computer sciences have played an increasingly important role--in genome mapping, population genetics, and even the controversial search for "Eve," hypothetical mother of the human race.
In this first-ever survey of the partnership between the two fields, leading experts look at how mathematical research and methods have made possible important discoveries in biology.
The volume explores how differential geometry, topology, and differential mechanics have allowed researchers to "wind" and "unwind" DNA's double helix to understand the phenomenon of supercoiling. It explains how mathematical tools are revealing the workings of enzymes and proteins. And it describes how mathematicians are detecting echoes from the origin of life by applying stochastic and statistical theory to the study of DNA sequences.
This informative and motivational book will be of interest to researchers, research administrators, and educators and students in mathematics, computer sciences, and biology.

Summary

Looks at how mathematical research and methods have made possible discoveries in biology. This volume explores how differential geometry, topology, and differential mechanics have allowed to explore DNA's double helix to understand the phenomenon of supercoiling. It explains how mathematical tools reveal the workings of enzymes and proteins.

Product details

• Authors: Mathematics Commission on Physical Sciences, Commission On Physical Sciences Mathemat, Commission on Physical Sciences Mathematics and Applications, Committee On The Mathematical Sciences I, Committee on the Mathematical Sciences in Genome and Protein Structure Research, Division on Engineering and Physical Sci, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, National Academy Of Sciences, National Research Council
• Assisted by: Eric S Lander (Editor), Eric S. Lander (Editor), Michael S Waterman (Editor), Michael S. Waterman (Editor)
• Publisher: National Academies Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.04.1995
• EAN: 9780309075022
• ISBN: 978-0-309-07502-2
• No. of pages: 300
• Dimensions: 152 mm x 226 mm x 18 mm
• Weight: 499 g
• Subject: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Biology > General, dictionaries