Product Description

The fourth edition of this text highlights the authors' continuing commitment to provide molecular cell biology topics, supported by the experiments and techniques that established them. Streamlined coverage, new pedagogy and a CD-ROM help to reinforce key concepts. The accompanying CD-ROM includes animations of key concepts and experiments and a navigation interface. There is also an on-line companion for students.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #383996 in Books
• Published on: 1999-12-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 1184 pages

From the Publisher
Review in the Times Higher 14th April 2000
The life processes brought to life on CD-Rom

"Biologists, from developmental geneticists to ecologists, are faced with the challenge of explaining complex phenomena at mechanistic levels. An essential first step is a solid grounding in biochemistry and molecular genetics. Principles of Biochemistry has always been a favourite of mine, and this third edition is stunning. It is as strong as ever in fundamental aspects of the subject, but it also includes many recent developments. Among the most significant are new chapters on protein structure and function, a revision of oxidative phosphorylation, and descriptions of the major experimental methods and technologies, including NMR, MS and Selex, Also in this edition is a new chapter on signal transduction, which covers one of the most exciting fields in biochemistry.

But what really clinches this text for me is the vitality that bursts from the accompanying CD-Rom. Biochemistry is the study of dynamic cellular processes. To observe the mechanism of translation, DNA sequencing or the infection of a host cell by a single-stranded RNA genome of a retrovirus, while listening to an informative commentary, brings the subject vividly and clearly to life. In addition to superb video clips, the CD-Rom contains a wealth of animations, electron micrographs and chemical structures. Impressive in the latter is the use of a wide variety of molecular representations; there is even a section showing biologically significant molecules in rotatable format.

Of all the sub-disciplines of biology that have benefited from advances in biochemistry, none has done more so than cell biology. Over recent years many of the mysteries of cellular processes, including the trafficking of organelles and spatio-temporal dynamics of specific enzymes, have been unveiled as a result of advances in the technology of fluorescent and luminescent biomolecules. Arguably the most significant of these "reporters" is the green fluorescent protein. The ability to couple transcription or translation of specific proteins to this wondrous reporter means that, with the aid of a confocal microscope, cellular processes can be observed in living cells, in real time. It is truly remarkable.

Molecular Cell Biology, now in its fourth edition, captures much of the excitement of this field as well as providing readers with a broad and sound understanding of the basic principles. Like Principles of Biochemistry, Molecular Cell Biology is accompanied by a variety of teaching aids, and by a similarly superb CD-Rom with animations of complex mechanisms, videos of cell processes and interactive tutorials. The book is up to date and incorporates advances in whole genome sequencing and the challenges these massive data sets present for bio-informatics, plus the latest in functional genomics and micro-arrays. Also worthy of note is the attention drawn to medical and biotechnological implications of many of the cellular processes described in the book.

For me, both these texts set a new level for undergraduate textbooks that I hope all future introductory texts will aspire to. Texts as good as these should change the way biology is taught. Rather than making the lecturer redundant, they provide opportunities for new and innovative approaches to teaching.

Paul Rainey is Lecturer in Microbiology, University of Oxford

Customer Reviews

Superb, highly readable book, with excellent CDROM
I was very impressed with this book. It is logically set out, with many helpful diagrams reinforcing the text. At the same time it is highly readable. I had expected the CDROM to be a bit of a gimmick, but far from it. The CDROM animations accompanying some of the more difficult sections of the book really do help in understanding cell functions, eg the graphical representation of ribosome assembly and protein synthesis from mRNAs, and the animation illustrating the life cycle of mRNAs.

A great book for anyone interested i biotechnology
This is one of the first book that I have read that dosen't contain idle chit-chat and contemplations from the author. It's direct and serious about giving a wide view on theory and methods from the world of biochemistry. Thumbs up :-)

Great....but not that great
A tolerable reference, especially for cell signalling/transduction, but not the killer text everyone makes it out to be. Having just finished the first year of a microbiology/virology degree, I can honestly say that I have used Lubert Stryer's Biochemistry more frequently, and if you want cell biology, buy a copy of Molecular Biology Of The Cell by Alberts et al. instead. Of course, if you like nice bright pictures, then this is probably for you. Otherwise, the money is better spent elsewhere.