Pollard: Cell Biology 2nd Edition (Student Consult Series)

Biology is based on the fundamental laws of nature embodied in chemistry and physics, but the origin and evolution of life on earth were historical events. This makes biology more like astronomy than like chemistry and physics. Neither the organization of the universe nor life as we know it had to evolve as it did. Chance played a central role. Throughout history and continuing today, the genes of some organisms sustain chemical changes that are inherited by their progeny. Many of the changes reduce the fitness of the organism, but some changes improve fitness. Over the long term, competition between sister organisms with random differences in their genes determines which organisms survive in various environments. Although these genetic differences ensure survival, they do not necessarily optimize each chemical life process. The variants that survive merely have a selective advantage over the alternatives. Thus, the molecular strategy of life processes works well but is often illogical. Readers would likely be able to suggest simpler or more elegant mechanisms for many cellular processes described in this book.

This book focuses on the underlying molecular mechanisms of biological function at the cellular level. Chapter 1 starts with a brief description of the main features that set eukaryotes apart from prokaryotes and then covers the general principles that apply equally to eukaryotes and prokaryotes. It closes with a preview of the major components of eukaryotic cells. Chapter 3 covers the macromolecules that form cells, while Chapters 4 and 5 introduce the chemical and physical principles required to understand how these molecules assemble and function. Armed with this introductory material, the reader will be prepared to circle back to Chapter 2 to learn what is known of the origins of life and the evolution of the forms of life that currently inhabit the earth.

Key Features

• Covers essential concepts in a more efficient, reader-friendly manner than most other texts on this subject.
• Makes cell biology easier to understand by demonstrating how cellular structure, function, and dysfunction result from specific macromole¬cular interactions.
• Progresses logically 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.
• Helps you to visualize molecular structures and functions with over 1500 remarkable full-color illustrations that present physical structures to scale.
• Explains how molecular and cellular structures evolved in different organisms. 
• Shows how molecular changes lead to the development of diseases through numerous Clinical Examples throughout.
• Includes STUDENT CONSULT access at no additional charge, enabling you to consult the textbook online, anywhere you go 
• perform quick searches 
• add your own notes and bookmarks 
• follow Integration Links to related bonus content from other STUDENT CONSULT titles-to help you see the connections between diverse disciplines 
• test your knowledge with multiple-choice review questions 
• and more!

New to this edition

• New keystone chapter on the origin and evolution of life on earth probably the best explanation of evolution for cell biologists available!
• Spectacular new artwork by gifted artist Graham Johnson of the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego. 200 new and 500 revised figures bring his keen insight to Cell Biology illustration and further aid the reader's understanding.
• New chapters and sections on the most dynamic areas of cell biology - Organelles and membrane traffic by Jennifer Lippincott-Schwartz; RNA processing (including RNAi) by David Tollervey., updates on stem cells and DNA Repair.
• More readable than ever. Improved organization and an accessible new design increase the focus on understanding concepts and mechanisms.
• New guide to figures featuring specific organisms and specialized cells paired with a list of all of the figures showing these organisms. Permits easy review of cellular and molecular mechanisms.
• New glossary with one-stop definitions of over 1000 of the most important terms in cell biology.

Contents

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
• CHAPTER 16 Eukaryotic RNA Processing
• 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

About the Authors

• Thomas D. Pollard, MD, Professor, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT.
• William C. Earnshaw, PhD, FRSE, Professor and Wellcome Principal Fellow, Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
• Jennifer Lippincott-Schwartz, PhD, Head, Section on Organelle Biology, Cell Biology and Metabolism Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 928 pages
• Publisher: Saunders; 2 edition (April 18, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416022554
• ISBN-13: 978-1416022558
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 1.6 inches

List Price: $130.00