By George Plopper, Diana Bebek Ivankovic

Principles of Cell Biology, Third Edition builds a conceptual framework of cell biology using 14, easy-to-understand principles to show how cells function and why we study them. The text begins with an introduction to the fundamental molecular building blocks of cells: sugars, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids and then moves on to illustrate how cells use these building blocks to perform their essential functions. With each chapter devoted to a specific principle, students will gain knowledge and understanding that will remain long after the course is complete. Every chapter now has a Case Study (often clinically-related) and an Applied Cell Biology box that illustrates technology's impact on the field Every chapter has a theme (the Principle) stated up front. This provides context for the subject matter — rather than simply explain what happens in cells — that makes the details fit together New callout boxes for finding additional information on the web.