Includes bibliographical references and index.

Cells: the fundamental units of life -- Chemical components of cells -- Energy, catalysis, and biosynthesis -- Protein structure and function -- DNA and chromosomes -- DNA replication and repair -- From DNA to protein: how cells read the genome -- Control of gene expression -- How genes and genomes evolve -- Analyzing the structure and function of genes-- Membrane structure -- Transport across cell membranes -- How cells obtain energy from food -- Energy generation in mitochondria and chloroplasts -- Intracellular compartments and protein transport -- Cell signaling -- Cytoskeleton -- The cell division cycle -- Sexual reproduction and genetics -- Cell communities: tissues, stem cells, and cancer.

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.