The Catalyst; RNA and the Quest to Unlock Life's Deepest Secrets

   Title of the book: the Catalyst; RNA and the quest to Unlock Life's Deepest Secrets 

Author: Thomas R. Cech 

Publisher: w.w. Norton 

Publishing Date: 2024

ISBN: 978-1-324-05068-1

Summary:

A Nobel Prize–winning scientist reveals biology’s most transformative achievements in decades―a Double Helix for the dawning of the RNA age. Over the last half century, a quiet revolution has taken place. In a series of breathtaking discoveries, biochemist Thomas Cech and a diverse cast of brilliant scientists have revealed RNA at the center of biology’s greatest mysteries, from how life began to what makes us human to why we age. At last, The Catalyst pulls back the curtain to show how RNA―long sidelined as the passive servant of DNA―defines life, from its very origins to our future in the twenty-first century. Recounting his own paradigm-shifting discovery that RNA can catalyze biochemical reactions, as well as his work on the “fountain of youth” telomerase, Cech unfolds how RNA holds the key to the intricate machinery of our cells, the critical processes of aging and disease, and the spectacular powers of breakthrough therapies from CRISPR to mRNA vaccines. From one of our foremost scientists, The Catalyst is a must-read guide to the present and future of biology and medicine. 26 illustrations. 

Author Info:
( From goodreads) 

N/A

Personal Opinion:

I admit that I don't have an experience in reading science nonfiction, but I did enjoy reading and learning about RNA. I have heard of it a bit, albeit in high school. I did always wonder how and why earth life is so diverse? What made it jump from simplicity to complexity? THE CATALYST did a good job in answering my questions. The author has done an excellent job in laying it out in details for layreader in both of having a mini glossary, of going jn a chronological order of scientific discoveries as they pertain to RNA, paying a lot of attention to men and women who made it possible. While on a lot of levels the text has worked for me, I definitely wished for some pictures of cells and location of ribosomes, because I kind of had a hard time picturing it in my head. If I am to read it as a history text, the author has done a convincing job of arguing that "RNA has clearly become the focus of the future" ( 3) and he proceeds to list possibilities as well as events that have gone. All in all, an enjoyable read. 

This was given for review 

4 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)