Molecular & Cell Biology For Dummies (eBook)

René Fester Kratz, PhD, teaches biology at Everett Community College in Everett, Washington. She works with other scientists and K-12 teachers to develop science curricula that align with national learning standards and the latest research on human learning.

Introduction 1

Part 1: The World of the Cell 5

Chapter 1: Exploring the World of the Cell 7

Chapter 2: Take a Tour inside the Cell 13

Chapter 3: Dead or Alive: Viruses 35

Part 2: Molecules: The Stuff of Life 51

Chapter 4: Better Living through Chemistry 53

Chapter 5: Carbohydrates: How Sweet They Are 77

Chapter 6: Proteins: Workers in the Cellular Factory 87

Chapter 7: DNA and RNA: Instructions for Life 103

Chapter 8: Lipids: Waterproof and Energy Rich 113

Part 3: The Working Cell 121

Chapter 9: Hello, Neighbor: How Cells Communicate 123

Chapter 10: Metabolism: Transferring Energy and Matter 139

Chapter 11: Cellular Respiration: Every Breath You Take 159

Chapter 12: Photosynthesis: Makin' Food in the Kitchen of Life 187

Chapter 13: Splitsville: The Cell Cycle, Cell Division, and Cancer 203

Part 4: Genetics: From One Generation to the Next 219

Chapter 14: Meiosis: Getting Ready for Baby 221

Chapter 15: Genetics: Talkin' 'Bout the Generations 233

Part 5: Molecular Genetics: How Cells Read the Book of Life 261

Chapter 16: DNA Replication: Doubling Your Genetic Stuff 263

Chapter 17: Transcription and Translation: What's in a Gene? 273

Chapter 18: Control of Gene Expression: It's How You Play Your Cards That Counts 291

Part 6: Molecular Biology: Harnessing the Power of DNA 311

Chapter 19: The Book of You: Reading Your Genes 313

Chapter 20: Rewriting the Code of Life: Recombinant DNA Technology and Genome Editing 331

Part 7: The Part of Tens 349

Chapter 21: Ten Important Rules for Cells to Live By 351

Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Improve Your Grade 361

Index 369