Emphasises that cellular structure, function, and dysfunction ultimately result from specific macromolecular interactions, using illustrations.

This book offers a masterful introduction to the cell biology that you need to know! This critically acclaimed text offers you a modern and unique approach to the study of cell biology. It emphasises that cellular structure, function, and dysfunction ultimately result from specific macromolecular interactions. You'll progress from an explanation of the hardware of molecules and cells to an understanding of how these structures function in the organism in both healthy and diseased states. The outstanding artwork helps you to better visualise molecular structures.

• SECTION I: Introduction to Cell Biology CHAPTER 1 Introduction to Cells CHAPTER 2 Evolution of Life on Earth SECTION II: Chemical and Physical Background CHAPTER 3 Molecules: Structures and Dynamics CHAPTER 4 Biophysical Principles CHAPTER 5 Macromolecular Assembly CHAPTER 6 Research Strategies SECTION III: Membrane Structure and Function CHAPTER 7 Membrane Structure and Dynamics CHAPTER 8 Membrane Pumps CHAPTER 9 Membrane Carriers CHAPTER 10 Membrane Channels CHAPTER 11 Membrane Physiology SECTION IV: Chromatin, Chromosomes, and the Cell Nucleus CHAPTER 12 Chromosome Organization CHAPTER 13 DNA Packaging in Chromatin and Chromosomes CHAPTER 14 Nuclear Structure and Dynamics SECTION V: Central Dogma: From Gene to Protein CHAPTER 15 Gene Expression This chapter was written by Jeffrey L. Corden CHAPTER 16 Eukaryotic RNA Processing This chapter was written by David Tollervey CHAPTER 17 Protein Synthesis and Folding SECTION VI: Cellular Organelles and Membrane Trafficking CHAPTER 18 Posttranslational Targeting of Proteins CHAPTER 19 Mitochondria, Chloroplasts, Peroxisomes CHAPTER 20 Endoplasmic Reticulum CHAPTER 21 Secretory Membrane System and Golgi Apparatus CHAPTER 22 Endocytosis and the Endosomal Membrane System CHAPTER 23 Degradation of Cellular Components SECTION VII Signaling Mechanisms CHAPTER 24 Plasma Membrane Receptors CHAPTER 25 Protein Hardware for Signaling CHAPTER 26 Second Messengers CHAPTER 27 Integration of Signals SECTION VIII: Cellular Adhesion and the Extracellular Matrix CHAPTER 28 Cells of the Extracellular Matrix and Immune System CHAPTER 29 Extracelluar Matrix Molecules CHAPTER 30 Cellular Adhesion CHAPTER 31 Intercellular Junctions CHAPTER 32 Connective Tissues SECTION IX: Cytoskeleton and Cellular Motility CHAPTER 33 Actin and Actin-Binding Proteins CHAPTER 34 Microtubules and Centrosomes CHAPTER 35 Intermediate Filaments CHAPTER 36 Motor Proteins CHAPTER 37 Intracellular Motility CHAPTER 38 Cellular Motility CHAPTER 39 Muscles SECTION X: Cell Cycle CHAPTER 40 Introduction to the Cell Cycle CHAPTER 41 G1 Phase and Regulation of Cell Proliferation CHAPTER 42 S Phase and DNA Replication CHAPTER 43 G2 Phase and Control of Entry into Mitosis CHAPTER 44 Mitosis and Cytokinesis CHAPTER 45 Meiosis CHAPTER 46 Programmed Cell Death Glossary Index

This book contains everything you want to know and more about cells. Each section covers a topic by beginning with the basic molecules and background principles and then continuing up to how these give full physiological function.
It is well designed because it contains lots of detail on each subject without drowning out key information for understanding. There are separate boxes on most pages, containing key principles and helpful summary tables alongside many excellent diagrams and research figures. It has been updated from the first edition with the inclusion of the latest research findings and there has also been an effort made to reduce jargon. I would recommend this book for a person wanting to conduct research who needs solid baseline knowledge of cell biology.
Medical Student, Leicester Medical School, UK