Molecular Biology of the Cell,5th Edition

Molecular Biology of the Cell,5th Edition ISBN: 978-0-8153-4105-5, 1268 pages, Hard Cover. Edition: 5th. Editors: Alberts, Bruce, Johnson, Alexander, Lewis, Julian, Raff, Martin, Roberts, Keith, Walter, Peter. Specialties: Cell Biology/Histology, Molecular Biology. Publisher: Garland Science. Distributor: Informa Healthcare/Taylor & Francis. List Price: $142.00 DESCRIPTION: This is an exciting, comprehensive guide to the molecular and biochemical mechanisms that exist within earth's living organisms. The wealth of information in this new edition reflects a rapidly advancing field with close ties to evolutionary biology. The book is organized into five major sections, including basic genetic mechanisms and internal organization of the cell. Topics include membrane structure, cell cycle, sexual reproduction, and development. This book contains numerous illustrations and movies on a multimedia DVD. PURPOSE: To "… give readers a conceptual framework for the mass of information that we now have about cells." Although the book is filled with facts, the authors hope that students will learn how to properly use facts to reason, to predict, and to control the behavior of living systems. AUDIENCE: The book is written for advanced undergraduates and graduate students enrolled in cell biology. It will be appreciated by all students in the life sciences including those specializing in biophysics and bioengineering. Faculty will appreciate access to electronic versions of the textbook figures and tables provided in the ancillary DVD. The authors are outstanding investigators with traditions of excellence in teaching and research. FEATURES: This full-color book expertly organizes our current understanding of cell biology and provides readers with insights into research methods. Virtually every page contains colorful illustrations and tables that stimulate the reader's imagination. Color-coded pages elucidate complex topics such as chemical formulas, research methods, or experimental results. The emphasis on research helps draw readers into the historical process of discovery. Boldface type identifies key words that are defined in the glossary at the end of the book. Each chapter includes a short list of self-assessment problems that are abstracted from a companion problems book (a companion book must be purchased to see the answers). Primary references are included to encourage further reading and scholarship. The authors frequently draw attention to evolutionary principles and explore new concepts. ASSESSMENT: This is an outstanding educational resource that will capture the attention of a wide range of students and faculty in the biomedical and life sciences. The fast pace of research in this field is clearly evident. This edition contains new information on comparative genomics, stem cell biology, apoptosis, and cancer. It is expertly written and carefully edited. Readers are in for an inspiring and exciting journey. RATING: ★★★★★ Reviewed by: Bruce Fenderson, PhD (Thomas Jefferson University)