Widely praised for its strong biochemistry coverage, Becker’s World of the Cell, Eighth Edition, provides a clear, up-to-date introduction to cell biology concepts, processes, and applications. Informed by many years of teaching the introductory cell biology course, the authors have added new emphasis on modern genetic/genomic/proteomic approaches to cell biology while using clear language to ensure that students comprehend the material. Becker’s World of the Cell provides accessible and authoritative descriptions of all major principles, as well as unique scientific insights into visualization and applications of cell biology. Media icons within the text and figures call attention to an enhanced media selection—350 up-to-date animations, videos, and activities—that helps students visualize concepts.


Table of Contents

1.    A Preview of the Cell

2.    The Chemistry of the Cell 

3.    The Macromolecules of the Cell

4.    Cells and Organelles

5.    Bioenergetics: The Flow of Energy in the Cell

6.    Enzymes: The Catalysts of Life

7.    Membranes: Their Structure, Function, and Chemistry

8.    Transport Across Membranes: Overcoming the Permeability Barrier 

9.    Chemotrophic Energy Metabolism: Glycolysis and Fermentation 

10.  Chemotrophic Energy Metabolism: Aerobic Respiration 

11.  Phototrophic Energy Metabolism: Photosynthesis

12.  The Endomembrane System and Peroxisomes  

13.  Signal Transduction Mechanisms: I. Electrical and Synaptic Signaling in Neurons

14.  Signal Transduction Mechanisms: II. Messengers and Receptors 

15.  Cytoskeletal Systems

16.  Cellular Movement: Motility and Contractility   

17.  Beyond the Cell: Cell Adhesion, Cell Junctions, and Extracellular Structures  

18.  The Structural Basis of Cellular Information: DNA, Chromosomes, and the Nucleus 

19.  The Cell Cycle, DNA Replication, and Mitosis 

20.  Sexual Reproduction, Meiosis, and Genetic Recombination 

21.  Gene Expression: I. The Genetic Code and Transcription  

22.  Gene Expression: II. Protein Synthesis and Sorting 

23.  The Regulation of Gene Expression  

24.  Cancer Cells 

      Appendix–Visualizing Cells and Molecules

      Glossary

      Photo, Illustration, and Text Credits

      Index