Essential Cell Biology

The gold-standard cell biology textbook, optimized for digital learning and engagement. Essential Cell Biology features lively, clear writing paired with exceptional illustrations and Dynamic Figures in the Norton Illumine Ebook, making it the ideal textbook for a first course in cell biology. The Sixth Edition incorporates new research throughout, highlighting emerging research areas like COVID-19. Check Your Understanding questions with rich answer-specific feedback throughout each chapter in the Illumine Ebook allow students to assess their reading comprehension, while Smartwork problems provide the opportunity for concept application and practice. Publisher’s Notice Half-title Page Title Page Copyright Preface Resources for Instructors and Students About the Authors List of Chapters and Special Features Understanding Science: 20 “How We Know” Panels and a “Why Trust Science?” Web Resource Contents Chapter 1: Cells: The Fundamental Units of Life Unity and Diversity of Cells Seeing Cell Structure The Tree of Life The Eukaryotic Cell Studying Model Systems Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 2: Chemical Components of Cells Chemical Bonds Small Molecules in Cells Macromolecules in Cells Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 3: Energy, Catalysis, and Biosynthesis The Use of Energy by Cells Free Energy and Catalysis Activated Carriers and Biosynthesis Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 4: Protein Structure and Function The Shape and Structure of Proteins How Proteins Work How Proteins are Controlled How Proteins are Studied Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 5: DNA and Chromosomes The Structure of DNA The Structure of Eukaryotic Chromosomes The Regulation of Chromosome Structure Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 6: DNA Replication and Repair DNA Replication DNA Repair Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 7: From DNA to Protein: How Cells Read the Genome From DNA to RNA From RNA to Protein RNA and the Origins of Life Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 8: Control of Gene Expression An Overview of Gene Expression How Transcription is Regulated Generating Specialized Cell Types Post-Transcriptional Controls Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 9: How Genes and Genomes Evolve Generating Genetic Variation Reconstructing Life’s Family Tree Mobile Genetic Elements and Viruses Examining the Human Genome Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 10: Analyzing the Structure and Function of Genes Isolating and Cloning DNA Molecules Sequencing DNA Exploring Gene Function Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 11: Membrane Structure The Lipid Bilayer Membrane Proteins Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 12: Transport Across Cell Membranes Principles of Transmembrane Transport Transporters and Their Functions Ion Channels and the Membrane Potential Ion Channels and Nerve Cell Signaling Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 13: How Cells Obtain Energy from Food The Breakdown and Utilization of Sugars and Fats Regulation of Metabolism Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 14: Energy Generation in Mitochondria and Chloroplasts Mitochondria and Oxidative Phosphorylation Molecular Mechanisms of Electron Transport and Proton Pumping Chloroplasts and Photosynthesis The Evolution of Energy-Generating Systems Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 15: Intracellular Compartments and Protein Transport Membrane-Enclosed Organelles Protein Sorting Vesicular Transport Secretory Pathways Endocytic Pathways Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 16: Cell Signaling General Principles of Cell Signaling G-Protein-Coupled Receptors Enzyme-Coupled Receptors Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 17: Cytoskeleton Intermediate Filaments Microtubules Actin Filaments Muscle Contraction Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 18: The Cell Cycle Overview of the Cell Cycle The Cell-Cycle Control System G1 Phase S Phase M Phase Mitosis Cytokinesis Control of Cell Growth, Cell Division, and Cell Survival Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 19: Sexual Reproduction and Genetics The Benefits of Sex Meiosis and Fertilization Mendel and the Laws of Inheritance Genetics as an Experimental Tool Exploring Human Genetics Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Chapter 20: Cell Communities: Tissues, Stem Cells, and Cancer Extracellular Matrix and Connective Tissues Epithelial Sheets and Cell Junctions Stem Cells and Tissue Renewal Cancer Essential Concepts Key Terms Questions Answers Glossary Index Cell biology is taught in classrooms around the world to provide students with a firm conceptual grounding in biology. This text provides basic, core knowledge about how cells work and uses colour images and diagrams to emphasize concepts and aid understanding.