The Cell: A Molecular Approach, seventh edition, is dedicated to the late co-author, Dr Robert E. Hausman (1947-2015). This textbook is very well organized and descriptive, covering the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to proteins. The context is intriguing and captures the reader’s attention with impressive figures. As one navigates through the chapters, he or she will find that topics are carefully arranged to develop the student’s active learning. As with the previous edition, illustrations covering protein–protein or protein–nucleic acid interactions provide coarse topological shapes of protein structure instead of rudimentary circles or ellipsoids. This provides students with visual descriptions of protein function and interactions.
Since the previous edition, a new chapter has been incorporated which covers genomics, proteomics, and systems biology. This new chapter engages the reader by providing current advances and techniques in each of these fields. This was achieved by restructuring the previous edition to include this chapter before the reader embarks on Part II: The Flow of Genetic Information. The authors also provide updated sidebars, key experiments, and techniques including CRISPR/Cas9, and super-resolution microscopy. Also, Chapter 13 covering the cytoskeleton, actin, tubulin, and molecular motors does not disappoint as the reorganization provides even more clarity than the previous edition with some updated illustrations and images. Lastly, the topics covering metabolism, synthetic biology, malaria, and the human genome project offer an insight into the importance and effect of each individual’s microbiome on their health.
Overall, this textbook is a wonderful choice if you are looking for a well-organized book that relates current research and techniques in the field yet provides an accessible text for first time undergraduates. If you currently have the previous edition, you may not need to acquire the newest version, however, some attractive features are in the updated edition. It includes the Instructor Resource Library and the Looseleaf Textbook option which allows the student to quickly take chapters needed and incorporate complementary lecture notes in a cohesive manner.