This work describes in a synthetic manner the structure of the living cell, its functioning, the relationships between its different compartments as well as the relationships it maintains with others. The numerous micrographs and excellent color diagrams give the cells a clear formation. The author highlights the complexity of the molecular mechanisms controlling the participation of different cellular organelles in the life of the cell, and that of different cells in the healthy life of the organism. It also describes how certain deficiencies in these complex processes lead to disease.
This approach, which consists of comparing pathological mechanisms and conditions, constitutes the very essence of biomedical research, such as that which leads to the development of drugs. The detailed history of some discoveries illustrates the ingenuity and patience that generations of researchers have shown in developing techniques for investigating the microscopic world.
Very didactic, this work is mainly aimed at first and second cycle students in science, medicine, pharmacy and agronomy. This second French edition takes into account the updates and enrichments made to the 2004 edition of the 3rd American edition.
Gerald C. KARP A graduate of UCLA and a doctor of the University of Washington, he did postdoctoral research at the University of Colorado Medical Center before joining the University of Florida. He is the author of numerous articles in the field of cellular and molecular biology, which he taught for 13 years.
Jules BOUHARMONT :Professor emeritus of the Catholic University of Louvain.
Jean-Claude Wissoco :Professor emeritus at the University of Picardie, Animal Biology Laboratory, Amiens, France.