Includes bibliographical references and index.

An overview of cells and cell research -- The composition of cells -- Cell metabolism -- Fundamentals of molecular biology -- The organization and sequences of cellular genomes -- Replication, maintenance, and rearrangements of genomic DNA -- RNA synthesis and processing -- Protein synthesis, processing, and regulation -- The nucleus -- Protein sorting and transport : the endoplasmic reticulum, golgi apparatus, and lysosomes -- Bioenergetics and metabolism : mitochondria, chloroplasts, and peroxisomes -- The cytoskeleton and cell movement -- The plasma membrane -- Cell walls and the extracellular matrix, and cell interactions -- Cell signaling -- The cell cycle -- Cell death and cell renewal -- Cancer.