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Published:
June 30, 2020

Molecular & Cell Biology For Dummies

Overview

Your insider guide to the stuff of life

3.8 billion years old and counting, there’s more than a little to know about the fundamentals of how life works. This friendly guide takes you from the primordial soup to the present, explaining how specialized cells have given rise to everything living, from the humblest amoeba to walking, talking human beings. Whether you’re enrolled in a cell or molecular biology course and need a straightforward overview, or are just curious about the latest advances, this fully updated edition is your all-access ticket to our inner world. 

Molecular & Cell Biology For Dummies decodes jargon and theories that can tax even the most devoted student. It covers everything from basic principles to how new technology, genetic testing, and microarray techniques are opening up new possibilities for research and careers. It also includes invaluable tips on how to prepare for—and ace—your exams! 

  • Explore the structure and function of the cells—and find out why cellular context is crucial to the study of disease
  • Discover how molecular biology can solve world problems
  • Understand how DNA determines traits and is regulated by cells
  • Enhance your knowledge and results with online resources and study tips 

From microscopic details to macro concepts, this book has something for you.

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About The Author

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.

Sample Chapters

molecular & cell biology for dummies

CHEAT SHEET

Studying molecular and cell biology can be challenging, but it’s necessary if you want to pursue microbiology, biotechnology, or genetics. Understanding molecular and cell biology entails knowing the four groups of macromolecules; the processes of central dogma and cellular respiration; and essential components of eukaryotic cells.

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Scientists first discovered the basic principles of gene regulation by studying how gene expression works in bacteria. Bacteria regulate their gene expression in order to respond to an ever-changing environment. For example, the availability of food and water changes constantly, and bacteria must be able to take advantage of their current situation in order to survive.
Metabolism is a vast interlocking web of chemical reactions. If you put your finger on one of the dots (in the following figure) that represents a particular chemical, you can trace a path from that dot, along lines, to other dots, and so on. The path your finger travels represents a subset of the many chemical reactions that are occurring in the cell.
Studying molecular and cell biology can be challenging, but it’s necessary if you want to pursue microbiology, biotechnology, or genetics. Understanding molecular and cell biology entails knowing the four groups of macromolecules; the processes of central dogma and cellular respiration; and essential components of eukaryotic cells.
DNA is so small that you can barely see it with an electron microscope — and yet, people have figured out how to read it, copy it, cut it into pieces, sort it, and put it back together in new combinations. When DNA from two different sources is combined together, the patchwork DNA molecule is called recombinant DNA.
Recombinant DNA technology can be controversial. People, including scientists, worry about the ethical, legal, and environmental consequences of altering the DNA code of organisms: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that contain genes from a different organism are currently used in agriculture, but some people are concerned about the following potential impacts on wild organisms and on small farms: Genetically modified plants may interbreed with wild species, transferring genes for pesticide resistance to weeds.
The eukaryotic cells of animals, plants, fungi, and microscopic creatures called protists have many similarities in structure and function. They have the structures common to all cells: a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes. All eukaryotic organisms contain cells that have a nucleus, organelles, and many internal membranes.
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