Molecular & Cell Biology for Dummies

Your hands-on study guide to the inner world of the cell
Need to get a handle on molecular and cell biology? This easy-to-understand guide explains the structure and function of the cell and how recombinant DNA technology is changing the face of science and medicine. You discover how fundamental principles and concepts relate to everyday life. Plus, you get plenty of study tips to improve your grades and score higher on exams!

* Explore the world of the cell — take a tour inside the structure and function of cells and see how viruses attack and destroy them
* Understand the stuff of life (molecules) — get up to speed on the structure of atoms, types of bonds, carbohydrates, proteins, DNA, RNA, and lipids
* Watch as cells function and reproduce — see how cells communicate, obtain matter and energy, and copy themselves for growth, repair, and reproduction
* Make sense of genetics — learn how parental cells organize their DNA during sexual reproduction and how scientists can predict inheritance patterns
* Decode a cell's underlying programming — examine how DNA is read by cells, how it determines the traits of organisms, and how it's regulated by the cell
* Harness the power of DNA — discover how scientists use molecular biology to explore genomes and solve current world problems


Open the book and find:

* Easy-to-follow explanations of key topics
* The life of a cell — what it needs to survive and reproduce
* Why molecules are so vital to cells
* Rules that govern cell behavior
* Laws of thermodynamics and cellular work
* The principles of Mendelian genetics
* Useful Web sites
* Important events in the development of DNA technology
* Ten great ways to improve your biology grade

René Fester Kratz, PhD, teaches cellular biology and microbiology. She is a member of the North Cascades and Olympic Science Partnership, where she helped create inquiry-based science courses for future teachers. Kratz is also the author of Microbiology The Easy Way.

Introduction.


Part I: The World of the Cell.


Chapter 1: Exploring the World of the Cell.


Chapter 2: Take a Tour Inside the Cell.


Chapter 3: Dead or Alive: Viruses.


Part II: Molecules: The Stuff of Life.


Chapter 4: Better Living through Chemistry.


Chapter 5: Carbohydrates: How Sweet They Are.


Chapter 6: Proteins: Workers in the Cellular Factory.


Chapter 7: DNA and RNA: Instructions for Life.


Chapter 8: Lipids: Waterproof and Energy Rich.


Part III: The Working Cell.


Chapter 9: Hello, Neighbor: How Cells Communicate.


Chapter 10: Metabolism: Transferring Energy and Matter.


Chapter 11: Cellular Respiration: Every Breath You Take.


Chapter 12: Photosynthesis: Makin’ Food in the Kitchen of Life.


Chapter 13: Splitsville: The Cell Cycle and Cell Division.


Part IV: Genetics: From One Generation to the Next.


Chapter 14: Meiosis: Getting Ready for Baby.


Chapter 15: Mendelian Genetics: Talkin’ ’Bout the Generations.


Chapter 16: Expect the Unexpected: Non-Mendelian Patterns of Inheritance.


Part V: Molecular Genetics: Reading the Book of Life.


Chapter 17: DNA Synthesis: Doubling Your Genetic Stuff.


Chapter 18: Transcription and Translation: What’s in a Gene?


Chapter 19: Control of Gene Expression: It’s How You Play Your Cards That Counts.


Part VI: Tools of Molecular Biology: Harnessing the Power of DNA.


Chapter 20: Recombinant DNA Technology: Power Tools at the Cellular Level.


Chapter 21: Genomics: The Big Picture.


Part VII: The Part of Tens.


Chapter 22: Ten Important Rules for Cells to Live By.


Chapter 23: Ten Ways to Improve Your Grade.


Index.