Cell Membranes

by Lukas Buehler

Overview

Cell Membranes offers a solid foundation for understanding the structure and function of biological membranes. The book explores the composition and dynamics of cell membranes discussing the molecular and biological diversity of its lipid and protein components and how the combinatorial richness of both components explains the chemical, mechanical, and self-renewing properties of cell membranes. Cell Membranes is a valuable resource for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and professionals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781317335597
Publisher:	CRC Press
Publication date:	06/17/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	400
File size:	23 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Lukas K. Buehler received his PhD in biochemistry from the University of Basel in Switzerland. He is a Professor of Biology at Southwestern College, Chula Vista, California, teaching general biology, cell biology, human physiology, and bioinformatics. His research interest is in biological membranes and how membrane transport proteins from diverse organisms from bacteria to humans function.

Table of Contents

Part I The Outer Limits of Life: The Structure and Dynamics of Cell Membranes1. The Role of Membranes in Cells and Organisms2. The Molecular Organization of Cell Membranes3. The Structure of Membrane Proteins 4. The Biological Diversity of Membrane Lipids5. The Shape of Membranes and Their TransformationsPart II The Living Membrane: The Function of Cell Membranes6. Separation: Membranes as Surface and Interface7. Exchange: Membrane Crossings8. Integration: Membranes as Gatekeepers of Information9. Metabolism: Growing Membranes, Sustaining Cells

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Joanna Goral, PhD (Midwestern University)
Description: This excellent book provides a wealth of information on cell membranes from detailed description of their biochemical structure to exploring their complex cellular functions.
Purpose: The aim is to address the diverse needs of life science disciplines for up-to-date information on cell membranes. Cell biologists can learn about biophysical characteristics of cell membranes, while structural biologists can find information on essential life functions of cell membranes.
Audience: This book is intended for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, researchers, and teaching faculty.
Features: The first part contains five chapters that describe molecular composition and physical properties of cell membranes. This part opens with a discussion of the role of membranes in cells and organisms, and how membranes are linked to many diseases and can serve as therapeutic targets. Separate chapters provide detailed information on diverse lipid and protein components of cell membranes. The second part of the book, divided into four chapters, describes how membranes function as selective barriers regulating exchange of molecules and information, how they promote cell adhesion by forming surfaces that facilitate interactions between cells and their surroundings, and how membranes grow and self-renew. Each chapter opens with a brief introduction and closes with a summary and a list of references. Many illustrations, tables, and diagrams contribute to the clarity of the presented material.
Assessment: This is a valuable reference for anyone interested in cell membranes. It offers detailed information on cell membrane structure and composition, as well as its central role in living cells. Despite covering a complex subject matter, a clear writing style makes this book accessible to more advanced students and professionals.

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