Includes bibliographical references and index.

Cells: the fundamental units of life -- Chemical components of cells -- Energy, catalysis, and biosynthesis -- Protein structure and function -- DNA and chromosomes -- DNA replication, repair, and recombination -- From DNA to protein: how cells read the genome -- Control of gene expression -- How genes and genomes evolve -- Modern recombinant DNA technology -- Membrane structure -- Transport across cell membranes -- How cells obtain energy from food -- Energy generation in mitochondria and chloroplasts -- Intracellular compartments and protein transport -- Cell signaling -- Cytoskeleton -- The cell division cycle -- Sexual reproduction and the power of genetics -- Cellular communities: tissues, stem cells, and cancer.