Essential Cell Biology provides an accessible introduction to the fundamental concepts of cell biology. Its lively writing and exceptional illustrations make it the ideal textbook for a first course in cell and molecular biology. The text and figures are easy-to-follow, accurate, clear, and engaging for the introductory student. Molecular detail has been kept to a minimum in order to provide the reader with a cohesive, conceptual framework of the basic science that underlies our current understanding of biology. The Third Edition is thoroughly updated scientifically, yet maintains the academic level and size of the previous edition. The book is accompanied by a Media DVD-ROM with over 130 animations and videos, all the figures from the book, and a new self-test quizzing feature for students.

Chemical components of cells -- Energy, catalysis, and biosynthesis -- Protein structure and function -- DNA and chromosomes -- DNA replication, repair, and recombination -- From DNA to protein: how cells read the genome -- Control of gene expression -- How genes and genomes evolve -- Analizing genes and cells -- Membrane structure -- Membrane transport -- How cells obtain energy from food -- Energy generation in mitochondria and chloroplasts -- Intracellular compartments and transport -- Cell communication -- Cytoskeleton -- The cell division cycle -- Sex and genetics -- Cellular communities : tissues, stem cells, and cancer.