Your hands-on study guide to the inner world of the cell Need to get a handle on molecular and cell biology? This easy-to-understand guide explains the structure and function of the cell and how recombinant DNA technology is changing the face of science and medicine. You discover how fundamental principles and concepts relate to everyday life. Plus, you get plenty of study tips to improve your grades and score higher on exams! Explore the world of the cell take a tour inside the structure and function of cells and see how viruses attack and destroy them Understand the stuff of life (molecules) get up to speed on the structure of atoms, types of bonds, carbohydrates, proteins, DNA, RNA, and lipids Watch as cells function and reproduce see how cells communicate, obtain matter and energy, and copy themselves for growth, repair, and reproduction Make sense of genetics learn how parental cells organize their DNA during sexual reproduction and how scientists can predict inheritance patterns Decode a cell's underlying programming examine how DNA is read by cells, how it determines the traits of organisms, and how it's regulated by the cell Harness the power of DNA discover how scientists use molecular biology to explore genomes and solve current world problems Open the book and find: Easy-to-follow explanations of key topics The life of a cell what it needs to survive and reproduce Why molecules are so vital to cells Rules that govern cell behavior Laws of thermodynamics and cellular work The principles of Mendelian genetics Useful Web sites Important events in the development of DNA technology Ten great ways to improve your biology grade

Your hands-on study guide to the inner world of the cell Need to get a handle on molecular and cell biology? This easy-to-understand guide explains the structure and function of the cell and how recombinant DNA technology is changing the face of science and medicine. You discover how fundamental principles and concepts relate to everyday life. Plus, you get plenty of study tips to improve your grades and score higher on exams! Explore the world of the cell — take a tour inside the structure and function of cells and see how viruses attack and destroy them Understand the stuff of life (molecules) — get up to speed on the structure of atoms, types of bonds, carbohydrates, proteins, DNA, RNA, and lipids Watch as cells function and reproduce — see how cells communicate, obtain matter and energy, and copy themselves for growth, repair, and reproduction Make sense of genetics — learn how parental cells organize their DNA during sexual reproduction and how scientists can predict inheritance patterns Decode a cell's underlying programming — examine how DNA is read by cells, how it determines the traits of organisms, and how it's regulated by the cell Harness the power of DNA — discover how scientists use molecular biology to explore genomes and solve current world problems Open the book and find: Easy-to-follow explanations of key topics The life of a cell — what it needs to survive and reproduce Why molecules are so vital to cells Rules that govern cell behavior Laws of thermodynamics and cellular work The principles of Mendelian genetics Useful Web sites Important events in the development of DNA technology Ten great ways to improve your biology grade

The ultimate guide to understanding biology Have you ever wondered how the food you eat becomes the energy your body needs to keep going? The theory of evolution says that humans and chimps descended from a common ancestor, but does it tell us how and why? We humans are insatiably curious creatures who can't help wondering how things work—starting with our own bodies. Wouldn't it be great to have a single source of quick answers to all our questions about how living things work? Now there is. From molecules to animals, cells to ecosystems, Biology For Dummies answers all your questions about how living things work. Written in plain English and packed with dozens of enlightening illustrations, this reference guide covers the most recent developments and discoveries in evolutionary, reproductive, and ecological biology. It's also complemented with lots of practical, up-to-date examples to bring the information to life. Discover how living things work Think like a biologist and use scientific methods Understand lifecycle processes Whether you're enrolled in a biology class or just want to know more about this fascinating and ever-evolving field of study, Biology For Dummies will help you unlock the mysteries of how life works.

From genetics to ecology — the easy way to score higher in biology Are you a student baffled by biology? You're not alone. With the help of Biology Workbook For Dummies you'll quickly and painlessly get a grip on complex biology concepts and unlock the mysteries of this fascinating and ever-evolving field of study. Whether used as a complement to Biology For Dummies or on its own, Biology Workbook For Dummies aids you in grasping the fundamental aspects of Biology. In plain English, it helps you understand the concepts you'll come across in your biology class, such as physiology, ecology, evolution, genetics, cell biology, and more. Throughout the book, you get plenty of practice exercises to reinforce learning and help you on your goal of scoring higher in biology. Grasp the fundamental concepts of biology Step-by-step answer sets clearly identify where you went wrong (or right) with a problem Hundreds of study questions and exercises give you the skills and confidence to ace your biology course If you're intimidated by biology, utilize the friendly, hands-on information and activities in Biology Workbook For Dummies to build your skills in and out of the science lab.

Your no-nonsense guide to genetics With rapid advances in genomic technologies, genetic testing has become a key part of both clinical practice and research. Scientists are constantly discovering more about how genetics plays a role in health and disease, and healthcare providers are using this information to more accurately identify their patients' particular medical needs. Genetic information is also increasingly being used for a wide range of non-clinical purposes, such as exploring one's ancestry. This new edition of Genetics For Dummies serves as a perfect course supplement for students pursuing degrees in the sciences. It also provides science-lovers of all skill levels with easy-to-follow and easy-to-understand information about this exciting and constantly evolving field. This edition includes recent developments and applications in the field of genetics, such as: Whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing Precision medicine and pharmacogenetics Direct-to-consumer genetic testing for health risks Ancestry testing Featuring information on some of the hottest topics in genetics right now, this book makes it easier than ever to wrap your head around this fascinating subject.

Your hands-on study guide to the inner world of the cell Need to get a handle on molecular and cell biology? This easy-to-understand guide explains the structure and function of the cell and how recombinant DNA technology is changing the face of science and medicine. You discover how fundamental principles and concepts relate to everyday life. Plus, you get plenty of study tips to improve your grades and score higher on exams! Explore the world of the cell — take a tour inside the structure and function of cells and see how viruses attack and destroy them Understand the stuff of life (molecules) — get up to speed on the structure of atoms, types of bonds, carbohydrates, proteins, DNA, RNA, and lipids Watch as cells function and reproduce — see how cells communicate, obtain matter and energy, and copy themselves for growth, repair, and reproduction Make sense of genetics — learn how parental cells organize their DNA during sexual reproduction and how scientists can predict inheritance patterns Decode a cell's underlying programming — examine how DNA is read by cells, how it determines the traits of organisms, and how it's regulated by the cell Harness the power of DNA — discover how scientists use molecular biology to explore genomes and solve current world problems Open the book and find: Easy-to-follow explanations of key topics The life of a cell — what it needs to survive and reproduce Why molecules are so vital to cells Rules that govern cell behavior Laws of thermodynamics and cellular work The principles of Mendelian genetics Useful Web sites Important events in the development of DNA technology Ten great ways to improve your biology grade

Viruses interact with host cells in ways that uniquely reveal a great deal about general aspects of molecular and cellular structure and function. Molecular and Cellular Biology of Viruses leads students on an exploration of viruses by supporting engaging and interactive learning. All the major classes of viruses are covered, with separate chapters for their replication and expression strategies, and chapters for mechanisms such as attachment that are independent of the virus genome type. Specific cases drawn from primary literature foster student engagement. End-of-chapter questions focus on analysis and interpretation with answers being given at the back of the book. Examples come from the most-studied and medically important viruses such as HIV, influenza, and poliovirus. Plant viruses and bacteriophages are also included. There are chapters on the overall effect of viral infection on the host cell. Coverage of the immune system is focused on the interplay between host defenses and viruses, with a separate chapter on medical applications such as anti-viral drugs and vaccine development. The final chapter is on virus diversity and evolution, incorporating contemporary insights from metagenomic research. Key selling feature: Readable but rigorous coverage of the molecular and cellular biology of viruses Molecular mechanisms of all major groups, including plant viruses and bacteriophages, illustrated by example Host-pathogen interactions at the cellular and molecular level emphasized throughout Medical implications and consequences included Quality illustrations available to instructors Extensive questions and answers for each chapter

An updated edition of the ultimate guide to understanding biology Ever wondered how the food you eat becomes the energy your body needs to keep going? The theory of evolution says that humans and chimps descended from a common ancestor, but does it tell us how and why? We humans are insatiably curious creatures who can't help wondering how things work — starting with our own bodies. Wouldn't it be great to have a single source of quick answers to all our questions about how living things work? Now there is. From molecules to animals, cells to ecosystems, Biology For Dummies, 2nd Edition answers all your questions about how living things work. Written in plain English and packed with dozens of illustrations, quick-reference Cheat Sheets, and helpful tables and diagrams, it cuts right to the chase with fast-paced, easy-to-absorb explanations of the life processes common to all organisms. More than 20% new and updated content, including a substantial overhaul to the organization of topics to make it a friendly classroom supplement Coverage of the most recent developments and discoveries in evolutionary, reproductive, and ecological biology Includes practical, up-to-date examples Whether you're currently enrolled in a biology class or just want to know more about this fascinating and ever-evolving field of study, this engaging guide will give you a grip on complex biology concepts and unlock the mysteries of how life works in no time.

Were you always curious about biology but were afraid to sit through long hours of dense reading? Did you like the subject when you were in high school but had other plans after you graduated? Now you can explore the human genome and analyze DNA without ever leaving your desktop! Bioinformatics For Dummies is packed with valuable information that introduces you to this exciting new discipline. This easy-to-follow guide leads you step by step through every bioinformatics task that can be done over the Internet. Forget long equations, computer-geek gibberish, and installing bulky programs that slow down your computer. You’ll be amazed at all the things you can accomplish just by logging on and following these trusty directions. You get the tools you need to: Analyze all types of sequences Use all types of databases Work with DNA and protein sequences Conduct similarity searches Build a multiple sequence alignment Edit and publish alignments Visualize protein 3-D structures Construct phylogenetic trees This up-to-date second edition includes newly created and popular databases and Internet programs as well as multiple new genomes. It provides tips for using servers and places to seek resources to find out about what’s going on in the bioinformatics world. Bioinformatics For Dummies will show you how to get the most out of your PC and the right Web tools so you'll be searching databases and analyzing sequences like a pro!

Relax. The fact that you’re even considering taking the AP Biology exam means you’re smart, hard-working and ambitious. All you need is to get up to speed on the exam’s topics and themes and take a couple of practice tests to get comfortable with its question formats and time limits. That’s where AP Biology For Dummies comes in. This user-friendly and completely reliable guide helps you get the most out of any AP biology class and reviews all of the topics emphasized on the test. It also provides two full-length practice exams, complete with detailed answer explanations and scoring guides. This powerful prep guide helps you practice and perfect all of the skills you need to get your best possible score. And, as a special bonus, you’ll also get a handy primer to help you prepare for the test-taking experience. Discover how to: Figure out what the questions are actually asking Get a firm grip on all exam topics, from molecules and cells to ecology and genetics Boost your knowledge of organisms and populations Become equally comfortable with large concepts and nitty-gritty details Maximize your score on multiple choice questions Craft clever responses to free-essay questions Identify your strengths and weaknesses Use practice tests to adjust you exam-taking strategy Supplemented with handy lists of test-taking tips, must-know terminology, and more, AP Biology For Dummies helps you make exam day a very good day, indeed.