Molecular & Cell Biology For Dummies

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