Product Description

An introduction to the core concepts of biology, with emphasis on explaining ideas, not cataloguing facts. Starting with an overview on the diversity of life, the text then looks at how organisms can be grouped and named, natural selection, molecular and cell biology, genetics, reproduction, physiology, ecology and biological principles in disease and biotechnology.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #336713 in Books
• Published on: 1998-04-20
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 544 pages

From the Publisher
toc
Contents: Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

PART 1: THE DIVERSITY OF ORGANISMS

Describing the Diversity of Organisms

Explaining The Diversity of Organisms: Natural Selection

PART 2: MOLECULES AND CELLS

Molecules and Life

Cell Structure and Function

Enzymes

Movement of Molecules

The Gene at Work

PART 3: ENERGY

Energy in Living Systems

Respiraton

Photosynthesis

PART 4: GENES AND LIFE CYCLES

Cell Division, Variation and Life Cycles

The Gene as the Unit of Inheritance

Reproduction in Animal Life Cycles

Reproduction in Plant Life Cycles

PART 5: THE WORKING ORGANISM

Homeostasis

Cell Communication: Chemicals

Cell Communication: Nerves

Plant, Soil and Atmosphere

Transport in Animals

Gas Exchange in Animals

Heterotrophic Nutrition

Excretion and Osmoregulation in Animals

Defence

Support and Movement

Development and Growth

PART 6: ORGANISMS IN CONTEXT

Population Ecology

Community Ecology

The Ecology of Ecosystems

Behaviour

PART 7: APPLIED TOPICS

Disease

Biotechnology

Customer Reviews

It even makes plant biology exciting!
This book is written with great enthusiasm, I would recommend it to anyone who is starting A-level Biology, doing A-level Biology or someone who just has a genuine interest in it! (I.e., you won't get "...you will have learnt this in GCSE..." or "...most syllabuses..." like most education-related text-books)
It really is a brilliant book that makes Biology very accessible.

The essential A Level text for the intelligent student . . .
In this elephantine companion, Dr. Julian Sutton presents the basic principles of biology in an amusing and suitably exciting manner. Doc Sutton, a sixth-form tutor at Torquay Boys' Grammar School in Devon is (by common consent) a genius. When not walking atop water he will be found deep in spiritual communion with his best friends: his plants at his countryside retreat in Totnes. This book introduces the principle foundations of the subject in a manner which cannot possibly fail to inspire and challenge. Like his bright green leather shoes, Dr. Sutton's sense of humour is understated and subtle but heavily laced throughout this mighty tome. An absolute must for the serious, literate individual.