Essential Cell Biology

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Essential Cell Biology , Second Edition contains basic, core knowledge about how cells work. It has a proven track record in providing students with a conceptual and accessible grounding in cell biology. The text and figures have been prepared to be easy-to-follow, accurate, clear and engaging for the introductory student. Each section follows logically from the previous one, telling a story, rather than being a collection of facts. Questions integrated throughout each chapter encourage the reader to pause, think about what they have read, and attempt to apply the new knowledge in ways that test their understanding. Based on user feedback, the Second Edition now offers increased coverage of genetics and more experimental background. It is completely up-to-date.

740 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1,1997

About the author

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Bruce Michael Alberts (born April 14, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois) is an American biochemist and the Chancellor's Leadership Chair in Biochemistry and Biophysics for Science and Education, emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco. He has done important work studying the protein complexes which enable chromosome replication when living cells divide. He is known as an original author of the "canonical, influential, and best-selling scientific textbook" Molecular Biology of the Cell, and as Editor-in-Chief of Science magazine.

Alberts was the president of the National Academy of Sciences from 1993 to 2005. He is known for his work in forming science public policy, and has served as United States Science Envoy to Pakistan and Indonesia. He has stated that "Science education should be about learning to think and solve problems like a scientist—insisting, for all citizens, that statements be evaluated using evidence and logic the way scientists evaluate statements." He is an Honorary Fellow of St Edmund's College, Cambridge.

Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 55 votes)
5 stars
21(38%)
4 stars
18(33%)
3 stars
16(29%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
55 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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I am very happy because I have passed all my subjects.

This is a great achievement for me. I have worked hard and studied diligently to reach this goal.

Passing all my subjects means that I have a better understanding of the knowledge and skills in each area. It also gives me more confidence and motivation to continue my studies.

I will celebrate this success with my family and friends. At the same time, I will also set new goals for myself and work hard to achieve them.

I believe that as long as I keep working hard and never give up, I can achieve more in the future.
July 15,2025
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Oh my goodness! Finally, it's done! ✅

This moment feels like a huge relief. After all the hard work and effort, seeing that task completed is truly satisfying.

It's as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I can now take a deep breath and relax for a while.

The sense of accomplishment is overwhelming. I'm proud of myself for persevering and getting it done.

Whether it was a long project or a simple task, the feeling of finishing is always the same - pure joy.

Now, I can look forward to the next challenge and continue to grow and learn.

But for now, I'm just going to enjoy this moment of victory. ✅
July 15,2025
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I was really close to awarding it 4 stars. However, considering what the book aims to achieve, it actually does an outstanding job!

I read this as part of a medical cell biology course at Uppsala University. If I were to rely solely on this book, I have a feeling that my odds of passing the exam would be rather low. This is because the lectures delve much deeper into the subject matter than the book does.

Nevertheless, when using the book as a supplement to other sources, it is truly amazing. It presents the fundamental concepts in an excellent manner. Often, when the content of a lecture went over my head, I could count on the book to provide an understanding of the essentials.

So, the only drawback of this book is that it sometimes lacks details. But interestingly, this is also its advantage as it makes for such an easy read and you are able to pick up most of the important concepts.

Overall, it is a very good introduction to cell biology. It can be read without having much or any prior experience in the natural sciences. Trust me, I was able to understand the little bit of chemistry in it, and I'm really bad at chemistry!
July 15,2025
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Can I Read Book online with out purchase?


This is a question that many people have. In today's digital age, there are many ways to access books online. Some websites offer free e-books that you can read without having to purchase them. However, it's important to note that not all free e-books are legal. Some may be pirated copies, which can cause problems for the authors and publishers.


If you want to read books online legally, there are several options available. Many libraries now offer digital lending services, which allow you to borrow e-books and read them on your computer or mobile device. Some publishers also offer free samples of their books on their websites, so you can get a taste of the book before you decide to purchase it.


In conclusion, while it is possible to read books online without purchasing them, it's important to do so legally. By using legitimate sources, you can support the authors and publishers who create the books we love.
July 15,2025
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Exceptional
In our lives, we often encounter those who are truly exceptional. These individuals stand out from the crowd with their remarkable qualities and achievements.

Exceptional people possess unique talents, whether it be in the fields of art, science, or sports. They have the ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems. Their creativity and determination drive them to reach for the impossible and achieve great things.

Moreover, exceptional individuals are not only talented but also have a strong work ethic. They are willing to put in the time and effort required to master their craft and reach the top of their field. They are constantly learning and improving themselves, always striving to be better.

In conclusion, exceptional people are an inspiration to us all. Their talents, hard work, and determination serve as a reminder that anything is possible if we set our minds to it. We should all strive to be more like them and reach for our own exceptional potential.
July 15,2025
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The DVD has been extremely helpful for me. As a visual learner, I find it to be a great asset. It presents information in a way that is easy for me to understand and retain. The clear visuals and engaging demonstrations on the DVD make the learning process much more enjoyable. I can watch the DVD at my own pace, pausing and rewinding as needed to ensure that I fully grasp the concepts. It has truly enhanced my learning experience and I would highly recommend it to others who are also visual learners.

July 15,2025
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This book offers an extensive read that commences from the very basics and then delves into some more in-depth information.

It provides you with a solid foundation that is essential for passing your exam in cell biology.

The content is presented in a clear and understandable manner, allowing you to easily grasp the fundamental concepts and build upon them.

Whether you are a student preparing for an exam or simply someone who is interested in learning how cells function, this book is highly recommended.

It covers a wide range of topics, including cell structure, cell division, metabolism, and more.

By reading this book, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of cell biology and be well-equipped to apply this knowledge in various fields.

So, if you are looking for a reliable and informative resource on cell biology, look no further than this book.
July 15,2025
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This is a great textbook indeed. It is extremely informative and detailed, covering a wide range of topics in a comprehensive manner.

However, for me, there is one slight drawback. The structural descriptions of the organelles are somewhat scattered throughout several chapters. In most cases, it can be a bit challenging to keep track of all the details when they are spread out like this.

The chapters are organized in a way that follows the metabolic pathways, which is a good approach. But it would be even easier to follow if we could get an overview of the cell compartments first. This would provide a better foundation and context for understanding the metabolic processes that occur within each compartment.

Overall, despite this minor issue, the textbook is still a valuable resource and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about the subject.
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