Includes bibliographical references and index.

Cells and genomes -- Cell chemistry and biosynthesis -- Proteins -- DNA, chromosomes, and genomes -- DNA replication, repair, and recombination -- How cells read the genome: from DNA to protein -- Control of gene expression -- Manipulating proteins, DNA, and RNA -- Visualizing cells -- Membrane structure -- Membrane transport of small molecules and the electrical properties of membranes -- Intracellular compartments and protein sorting -- Intracellular vesicular traffic -- Energy conversion: mitochondria and chloroplasts -- Mechanisms of cell communication -- The cytoskeleton -- The cell cycle -- Apoptosis -- Cell junctions, cell adhesion, and the extracellular matrix -- Cancer -- Sexual reproduction: meiosis, germ cells, and fertilization -- Development of multicellular organisms -- Specialized tissues, stem cells, and tissue renewal -- Pathogens, infection, and innate immunity -- The adaptive immune system.

Tables: The genetic code, amino acids.