Teaching cell biology can be a daunting task because the field is so vast and rapidly moving, characterized by a continual explosion of new information. The challenge is how to teach students the fundamental concepts without becoming bogged down in details. Students need to understand the principles of cell biology and be able to appreciate new advances, rather than just memorizing "the facts" as we see them today. At the same time, the material must be presented in sufficient depth to thoughtfully engage students and provide a sound basis for further studies. The Cell, Seventh Edition, provides a balance of concepts and details that meets the needs of today's students and their teachers. Written by an active scientist and experienced educator, this textbook combines readability and cohesiveness with comprehensive and up to date science.

In keeping with prior editions, the new seventh edition:

Is ideally suited in length and complexity for sophomore and junior level courses at the undergraduate level.
Can be covered in a single semester. Students can master the material in its entirety, rather than sampling a small fraction from a much larger text.
Is written in an efficient and compact style, covering a broad range of material in a direct and pedagogically approachable manner.
Focuses on the molecular biology of cells as a unifying theme, with topics such as developmental biology, the nervous system, the immune system, and plant biology being discussed as examples of more general principles.
Features "Key Experiment" and "Molecular Medicine" boxes that highlight the experimental nature of molecular and cellular biology and convey the excitement and medical relevance of research in this area.