Contents

INTRODUCTION

Why the cell is Earth’s greatest success story, and the basis of all life.

CHAPTER 1

A Brief History of the Cell

In the 350 years since cells were discovered remarkable progress has been made in our understanding of them.

CHAPTER 2

Inside Living Cells

All types of cell share certain characteristics, including the molecular machinery that makes them work.

CHAPTER 3

Cells Beget Cells

The process of cell division accounts for growth and reproduction, as well as the evolution of new species.

CHAPTER 4

Cellular Singletons

The overwhelming majority of cells on Earth are individual living things – single-celled organisms.

CHAPTER 5

Coming Together – Multicellular Life

Cells cooperate within complex organisms and perform essential specialized tasks.

CHAPTER 6

Life, Death and Immortality

Cells have evolved extraordinary ways to attack other cells and to protect themselves.

CHAPTER 7

Taking in the Cytes

The human body manufactures around 200 different cell types, displaying astonishing diversity and specialization.

GLOSSARY

INDEX

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS