the new edition is incomplete, 18 Jul 2008
I really liked the Alberts. That's why I bought the new edition, my last edition is now more than 10 years old. What I liked was the coverage of a wide area of cell biology from the basics to developmental biology and immunology. I was therefore very disappointed when I read in the preface that the current paperback edition does not contain all chapters, some chapters are only available on the CD that is included with the book. What am I supposed to do, print the 300 missing pages? If you want the complete book you have to buy the hardback version, currently at about £100- I guess this was a trick of the publisher to rip of libraries, at least our library decided to buy the complete book at twice the price of the paperback...


A must for biology undergraduates., 03 Dec 2005
A really good textbook for all undergraduate biology and biochemistry students. One of the only books I consistently used throughout my course. I am now a teacher, and often use it to help bridge the gap for my students between A levels and university. It is very clear and the diagrams are excellent. If I were a student considering buying this book, I am not sure that I would spend the extra money on buying the latest edition. It costs enough to go to university as it is! If you do buy it used though, make sure it's in good condition as it will be well used.

Not bad! :), 05 Nov 2001
Good chapters on enzyme kinetics. Skips around, but it's all there. Easy reading (for biochem). Better than stryer ;).

Excellent book but out of date, 20 Sep 2001
A wonderfully written and illustrated book, but now totally out of date and in serious need of a new edition. Where is it?!

A foundation Text., 03 Sep 2001
This is an excellent, informative text. I used it extensively through my first degree, my masters and I even refer to it now while I'm doing my PhD. Money well spent.

the new edition is incomplete, 18 Jul 2008
I really liked the Alberts. That's why I bought the new edition, my last edition is now more than 10 years old. What I liked was the coverage of a wide area of cell biology from the basics to developmental biology and immunology. I was therefore very disappointed when I read in the preface that the current paperback edition does not contain all chapters, some chapters are only available on the CD that is included with the book. What am I supposed to do, print the 300 missing pages? If you want the complete book you have to buy the hardback version, currently at about £100- I guess this was a trick of the publisher to rip of libraries, at least our library decided to buy the complete book at twice the price of the paperback...


A must for biology undergraduates., 03 Dec 2005
A really good textbook for all undergraduate biology and biochemistry students. One of the only books I consistently used throughout my course. I am now a teacher, and often use it to help bridge the gap for my students between A levels and university. It is very clear and the diagrams are excellent. If I were a student considering buying this book, I am not sure that I would spend the extra money on buying the latest edition. It costs enough to go to university as it is! If you do buy it used though, make sure it's in good condition as it will be well used.

Not bad! :), 05 Nov 2001
Good chapters on enzyme kinetics. Skips around, but it's all there. Easy reading (for biochem). Better than stryer ;).

Excellent book but out of date, 20 Sep 2001
A wonderfully written and illustrated book, but now totally out of date and in serious need of a new edition. Where is it?!

A foundation Text., 03 Sep 2001
This is an excellent, informative text. I used it extensively through my first degree, my masters and I even refer to it now while I'm doing my PhD. Money well spent.

An excellent text!, 22 Jan 2008
I found this text brilliant for a module in my second year of a Biology degree; the information is concise and to the point, the multimedia disk is brilliant and the questions helped to prepare me for my exams and had me thinking more outside the box. There are many wonderful diagrams, but the CD reminds a student that cells are 3D, dynamic entities and not flat and lifeless on a page.

A wonderful resource!

Well written and concise, 24 Apr 2007
As an A level Biology teacher I bought this book to better teach the subject. It is very easy to read and the diagrams are very clear. It covers material in more detail than required for an A level student but would prove ideal for a first year biology or biochemistry course or any A level Biology teacher.
It does what it says in the title covering most aspects of cell physiology, I particularly liked its clear treatment of DNA replication and basic biochemistry. The book comes with a CD Rom containing stills and short animations some of which are superb teaching material, I particularly enjoyed the ATPase movie. On the downside some of the CD Rom files seemed empty of content but that is my only gripe, overall a great book.

the new edition is incomplete, 18 Jul 2008
I really liked the Alberts. That's why I bought the new edition, my last edition is now more than 10 years old. What I liked was the coverage of a wide area of cell biology from the basics to developmental biology and immunology. I was therefore very disappointed when I read in the preface that the current paperback edition does not contain all chapters, some chapters are only available on the CD that is included with the book. What am I supposed to do, print the 300 missing pages? If you want the complete book you have to buy the hardback version, currently at about £100- I guess this was a trick of the publisher to rip of libraries, at least our library decided to buy the complete book at twice the price of the paperback...


A must for biology undergraduates., 03 Dec 2005
A really good textbook for all undergraduate biology and biochemistry students. One of the only books I consistently used throughout my course. I am now a teacher, and often use it to help bridge the gap for my students between A levels and university. It is very clear and the diagrams are excellent. If I were a student considering buying this book, I am not sure that I would spend the extra money on buying the latest edition. It costs enough to go to university as it is! If you do buy it used though, make sure it's in good condition as it will be well used.

Not bad! :), 05 Nov 2001
Good chapters on enzyme kinetics. Skips around, but it's all there. Easy reading (for biochem). Better than stryer ;).

Excellent book but out of date, 20 Sep 2001
A wonderfully written and illustrated book, but now totally out of date and in serious need of a new edition. Where is it?!

A foundation Text., 03 Sep 2001
This is an excellent, informative text. I used it extensively through my first degree, my masters and I even refer to it now while I'm doing my PhD. Money well spent.

An excellent text!, 22 Jan 2008
I found this text brilliant for a module in my second year of a Biology degree; the information is concise and to the point, the multimedia disk is brilliant and the questions helped to prepare me for my exams and had me thinking more outside the box. There are many wonderful diagrams, but the CD reminds a student that cells are 3D, dynamic entities and not flat and lifeless on a page.

A wonderful resource!

Well written and concise, 24 Apr 2007
As an A level Biology teacher I bought this book to better teach the subject. It is very easy to read and the diagrams are very clear. It covers material in more detail than required for an A level student but would prove ideal for a first year biology or biochemistry course or any A level Biology teacher.
It does what it says in the title covering most aspects of cell physiology, I particularly liked its clear treatment of DNA replication and basic biochemistry. The book comes with a CD Rom containing stills and short animations some of which are superb teaching material, I particularly enjoyed the ATPase movie. On the downside some of the CD Rom files seemed empty of content but that is my only gripe, overall a great book.

I wish I hadn't bought this, 20 May 2008
Like other reviewers I find this dictionary constantly frustrating. It is not comprehensive, and more often than not it doesn't have the term I am looking for, meaning I have to resort to the internet or textbooks. For example, it has the definition for 'jaw' but lacks 'qualia' and 'geosmins'. Not recommended for anyone above A level.

a little too basic for a Biology BSc., 22 Jan 2008
I have found this Biology dictionary to be lacking many important terms in the second year of my degree, and I have generally been disappointed with it. I believe it is fine for A-levels, and acceptable in a first year biology degree; but this needs companion texts for later degree years as modules advance.

Maintain that resting potential, now!, 01 Dec 2006
The question was: what (or whatever) maintains the resting membrane potential nowadays! I always thought that it was the sodium pump (or Na K ATPase etc.). Recently, I heard: No, it is not the sodium pump that maintains the resting potential. So I checked both the Oxford and the Penguin Dictionaries of Biology. Oxford says that the resting potential is maintained by the sodium pump; however, the Penguin says it is the leaky potassium channels, and sodium pump plays a slight role. Well, it is one of those academic debates, it would seem--which really mean nothing--because nothing is at stake! The debate is from confusing maintenance, recovery, and repair--perhaps. Is it the resting potential (a thing being maintained) or is it the repolarization after a depolarization (a thing in recovery) that we are talking about? Is maintenance still maintenance if you spend energy in extruding the smaller atoms out--well: a running car can be maintained only by spending money? Perhaps, after all, it is only the usual confusion of the frogs in a well: they can only see the stars in their own horizons. The whole biological process has several components, and to know which is the one--well, just take one out and see if the process holds and functions. Which brick is the most important in a wall? Clearly, the truth is never simple, and possibly there is no such thing as the truth. Things evolve using all of the components--and are what they are. So, I guess it is always the context and it is always relative: point of view etc. There is no simple correct answer because the question is incorrectly formulated--without the necessary context. What is more important in the running of a car: the engine or the gas? So get both the Oxford and Penguin--they complement, and both are useful when viewed and understood in the right context: neither can replace the textbook; and no textbook replaces all the source materials--but you need to start somewhere. For a rich fantasy life read Ayul Zamir's Intern Beth. Now, whatever maintains that resting membrane potential!

What not to buy, 13 Dec 2005
if your looking for a dictionary for a degree course this would not be it. many biological terms and definitions are not listed. your better off buying either the henderson biological dictionary or the penguin one, as these have far more terms and are listed in a more clear and consise manner.

Just what you need, 02 Jul 2005
This is an excellent dictionary for any biology student in school or university. Contains clear direct definitions of words and has a clear lay-out also, a must buy for the biologist of today.

the new edition is incomplete, 18 Jul 2008
I really liked the Alberts. That's why I bought the new edition, my last edition is now more than 10 years old. What I liked was the coverage of a wide area of cell biology from the basics to developmental biology and immunology. I was therefore very disappointed when I read in the preface that the current paperback edition does not contain all chapters, some chapters are only available on the CD that is included with the book. What am I supposed to do, print the 300 missing pages? If you want the complete book you have to buy the hardback version, currently at about £100- I guess this was a trick of the publisher to rip of libraries, at least our library decided to buy the complete book at twice the price of the paperback...


A must for biology undergraduates., 03 Dec 2005
A really good textbook for all undergraduate biology and biochemistry students. One of the only books I consistently used throughout my course. I am now a teacher, and often use it to help bridge the gap for my students between A levels and university. It is very clear and the diagrams are excellent. If I were a student considering buying this book, I am not sure that I would spend the extra money on buying the latest edition. It costs enough to go to university as it is! If you do buy it used though, make sure it's in good condition as it will be well used.

Not bad! :), 05 Nov 2001
Good chapters on enzyme kinetics. Skips around, but it's all there. Easy reading (for biochem). Better than stryer ;).

Excellent book but out of date, 20 Sep 2001
A wonderfully written and illustrated book, but now totally out of date and in serious need of a new edition. Where is it?!

A foundation Text., 03 Sep 2001
This is an excellent, informative text. I used it extensively through my first degree, my masters and I even refer to it now while I'm doing my PhD. Money well spent.

An excellent text!, 22 Jan 2008
I found this text brilliant for a module in my second year of a Biology degree; the information is concise and to the point, the multimedia disk is brilliant and the questions helped to prepare me for my exams and had me thinking more outside the box. There are many wonderful diagrams, but the CD reminds a student that cells are 3D, dynamic entities and not flat and lifeless on a page.

A wonderful resource!

Well written and concise, 24 Apr 2007
As an A level Biology teacher I bought this book to better teach the subject. It is very easy to read and the diagrams are very clear. It covers material in more detail than required for an A level student but would prove ideal for a first year biology or biochemistry course or any A level Biology teacher.
It does what it says in the title covering most aspects of cell physiology, I particularly liked its clear treatment of DNA replication and basic biochemistry. The book comes with a CD Rom containing stills and short animations some of which are superb teaching material, I particularly enjoyed the ATPase movie. On the downside some of the CD Rom files seemed empty of content but that is my only gripe, overall a great book.

I wish I hadn't bought this, 20 May 2008
Like other reviewers I find this dictionary constantly frustrating. It is not comprehensive, and more often than not it doesn't have the term I am looking for, meaning I have to resort to the internet or textbooks. For example, it has the definition for 'jaw' but lacks 'qualia' and 'geosmins'. Not recommended for anyone above A level.

a little too basic for a Biology BSc., 22 Jan 2008
I have found this Biology dictionary to be lacking many important terms in the second year of my degree, and I have generally been disappointed with it. I believe it is fine for A-levels, and acceptable in a first year biology degree; but this needs companion texts for later degree years as modules advance.

Maintain that resting potential, now!, 01 Dec 2006
The question was: what (or whatever) maintains the resting membrane potential nowadays! I always thought that it was the sodium pump (or Na K ATPase etc.). Recently, I heard: No, it is not the sodium pump that maintains the resting potential. So I checked both the Oxford and the Penguin Dictionaries of Biology. Oxford says that the resting potential is maintained by the sodium pump; however, the Penguin says it is the leaky potassium channels, and sodium pump plays a slight role. Well, it is one of those academic debates, it would seem--which really mean nothing--because nothing is at stake! The debate is from confusing maintenance, recovery, and repair--perhaps. Is it the resting potential (a thing being maintained) or is it the repolarization after a depolarization (a thing in recovery) that we are talking about? Is maintenance still maintenance if you spend energy in extruding the smaller atoms out--well: a running car can be maintained only by spending money? Perhaps, after all, it is only the usual confusion of the frogs in a well: they can only see the stars in their own horizons. The whole biological process has several components, and to know which is the one--well, just take one out and see if the process holds and functions. Which brick is the most important in a wall? Clearly, the truth is never simple, and possibly there is no such thing as the truth. Things evolve using all of the components--and are what they are. So, I guess it is always the context and it is always relative: point of view etc. There is no simple correct answer because the question is incorrectly formulated--without the necessary context. What is more important in the running of a car: the engine or the gas? So get both the Oxford and Penguin--they complement, and both are useful when viewed and understood in the right context: neither can replace the textbook; and no textbook replaces all the source materials--but you need to start somewhere. For a rich fantasy life read Ayul Zamir's Intern Beth. Now, whatever maintains that resting membrane potential!

What not to buy, 13 Dec 2005
if your looking for a dictionary for a degree course this would not be it. many biological terms and definitions are not listed. your better off buying either the henderson biological dictionary or the penguin one, as these have far more terms and are listed in a more clear and consise manner.

Just what you need, 02 Jul 2005
This is an excellent dictionary for any biology student in school or university. Contains clear direct definitions of words and has a clear lay-out also, a must buy for the biologist of today.

A whole new world of evolution opened up, 11 Nov 2008
You're certain that the universe contains other complex life forms? -- this book questions that statistical assumption.
This is a wonderful read, and takes you into areas which, even when you've a scientific background, are mostly unfamiliar territory - mitochondria....... but are they that important? - you bet they are.
First we wouldn't be here, we simply would not have evolved, had mitochondria not come into existence.How this is likely to have come about is extensively discussed.
Secondly, the author is of the view that the likelyhood of mitochondria coming into existence at all is so amazingly miniscule that, even by the universe's standards of space and time ( so huge that other theories make the probability if complex life forming a statistical near certainty ) it is, he argues, extremely unlikely to have occured more than the once that has spawned us !
Thirdly, the mitochondrion, as the powerhouse of the cell, is also the seat of much that can go wrong, and ageing and cancer etc are examines from this perspective.
Finally, the genes in mitochondria can themselves mutate and are themselves subject to natural selection - not only that, but they are actually passed down into the next generation via the gamete ( only via the maternal line )........ this is another evolutionary route which has all sorts of interesting implications.
Mitochondria - they're where it's all at !

Excellent!, 21 Apr 2008
A fascinating overview of the importance of mitochondria, with some speculation clearly explained. It's a complicated subject, but extremely well written. Overpriced? hardly. Not sure what the previous reviewer thought the pictures could be of, anyway...

Best book of the year , 01 Jan 2008
Although I was initially put off by the gimmicky title I am pleased to report that this is a really good book and should suit those with an interest in cellular biology or evolution.
I feared that this would be one of those pop-science books full of sloppy terminology and exclaimation marks.In the event this was a fascinating read about the evolution of the eukaryotic cell, and the role of mitochondria. Difficult to put down. Buy it.


Ohh mitochondria, tell us the truth, 17 Sep 2007
What a book, absolutely fascinating and highly recommended, although I must say that this is not an easy book, in fact is kind of complex if you are not acquainted with the subject. This is not a critic, thing is I would not change a bit of it, but in my opinion, people should have a little knowledge of cellular metabolism and biochemistry before attempting this book.

After reading Dawkins book about the selfish gene, it was inevitable for me to wonder about life origins, why unicellular organisms have that tendency to complexity and to group itself, and how all this machinery works. This book provide a thorough and absorbing biography of Mitochondria and its symbiosis with eukaryotes, what is the function of each one, why there are two sexes and why we aged and finally become history. As you will see, our understanding of these matters is rather modest, the author insinuate possible solutions to some of the big questions, but in any case the subject is so interesting that you read this book excited all the way to the end.

How beautiful is life and how complex ... you can see that just watching a little fly and wonder how on earth this insect manage to fly, as if eukaryotes have a previous knowledge of Physics, as if they have all the basic solutions of nature in a template. I just know one thing: I want to know and read more about it.

Outstanding, 10 Jul 2007
This book is really outstanding. It contains a tremendous lot of interesting new information. Highly recommended!

the new edition is incomplete, 18 Jul 2008
I really liked the Alberts. That's why I bought the new edition, my last edition is now more than 10 years old. What I liked was the coverage of a wide area of cell biology from the basics to developmental biology and immunology. I was therefore very disappointed when I read in the preface that the current paperback edition does not contain all chapters, some chapters are only available on the CD that is included with the book. What am I supposed to do, print the 300 missing pages? If you want the complete book you have to buy the hardback version, currently at about £100- I guess this was a trick of the publisher to rip of libraries, at least our library decided to buy the complete book at twice the price of the paperback...


A must for biology undergraduates., 03 Dec 2005
A really good textbook for all undergraduate biology and biochemistry students. One of the only books I consistently used throughout my course. I am now a teacher, and often use it to help bridge the gap for my students between A levels and university. It is very clear and the diagrams are excellent. If I were a student considering buying this book, I am not sure that I would spend the extra money on buying the latest edition. It costs enough to go to university as it is! If you do buy it used though, make sure it's in good condition as it will be well used.

Not bad! :), 05 Nov 2001
Good chapters on enzyme kinetics. Skips around, but it's all there. Easy reading (for biochem). Better than stryer ;).

Excellent book but out of date, 20 Sep 2001
A wonderfully written and illustrated book, but now totally out of date and in serious need of a new edition. Where is it?!

A foundation Text., 03 Sep 2001
This is an excellent, informative text. I used it extensively through my first degree, my masters and I even refer to it now while I'm doing my PhD. Money well spent.

An excellent text!, 22 Jan 2008
I found this text brilliant for a module in my second year of a Biology degree; the information is concise and to the point, the multimedia disk is brilliant and the questions helped to prepare me for my exams and had me thinking more outside the box. There are many wonderful diagrams, but the CD reminds a student that cells are 3D, dynamic entities and not flat and lifeless on a page.

A wonderful resource!

Well written and concise, 24 Apr 2007
As an A level Biology teacher I bought this book to better teach the subject. It is very easy to read and the diagrams are very clear. It covers material in more detail than required for an A level student but would prove ideal for a first year biology or biochemistry course or any A level Biology teacher.
It does what it says in the title covering most aspects of cell physiology, I particularly liked its clear treatment of DNA replication and basic biochemistry. The book comes with a CD Rom containing stills and short animations some of which are superb teaching material, I particularly enjoyed the ATPase movie. On the downside some of the CD Rom files seemed empty of content but that is my only gripe, overall a great book.

I wish I hadn't bought this, 20 May 2008
Like other reviewers I find this dictionary constantly frustrating. It is not comprehensive, and more often than not it doesn't have the term I am looking for, meaning I have to resort to the internet or textbooks. For example, it has the definition for 'jaw' but lacks 'qualia' and 'geosmins'. Not recommended for anyone above A level.

a little too basic for a Biology BSc., 22 Jan 2008
I have found this Biology dictionary to be lacking many important terms in the second year of my degree, and I have generally been disappointed with it. I believe it is fine for A-levels, and acceptable in a first year biology degree; but this needs companion texts for later degree years as modules advance.

Maintain that resting potential, now!, 01 Dec 2006
The question was: what (or whatever) maintains the resting membrane potential nowadays! I always thought that it was the sodium pump (or Na K ATPase etc.). Recently, I heard: No, it is not the sodium pump that maintains the resting potential. So I checked both the Oxford and the Penguin Dictionaries of Biology. Oxford says that the resting potential is maintained by the sodium pump; however, the Penguin says it is the leaky potassium channels, and sodium pump plays a slight role. Well, it is one of those academic debates, it would seem--which really mean nothing--because nothing is at stake! The debate is from confusing maintenance, recovery, and repair--perhaps. Is it the resting potential (a thing being maintained) or is it the repolarization after a depolarization (a thing in recovery) that we are talking about? Is maintenance still maintenance if you spend energy in extruding the smaller atoms out--well: a running car can be maintained only by spending money? Perhaps, after all, it is only the usual confusion of the frogs in a well: they can only see the stars in their own horizons. The whole biological process has several components, and to know which is the one--well, just take one out and see if the process holds and functions. Which brick is the most important in a wall? Clearly, the truth is never simple, and possibly there is no such thing as the truth. Things evolve using all of the components--and are what they are. So, I guess it is always the context and it is always relative: point of view etc. There is no simple correct answer because the question is incorrectly formulated--without the necessary context. What is more important in the running of a car: the engine or the gas? So get both the Oxford and Penguin--they complement, and both are useful when viewed and understood in the right context: neither can replace the textbook; and no textbook replaces all the source materials--but you need to start somewhere. For a rich fantasy life read Ayul Zamir's Intern Beth. Now, whatever maintains that resting membrane potential!

What not to buy, 13 Dec 2005
if your looking for a dictionary for a degree course this would not be it. many biological terms and definitions are not listed. your better off buying either the henderson biological dictionary or the penguin one, as these have far more terms and are listed in a more clear and consise manner.

Just what you need, 02 Jul 2005
This is an excellent dictionary for any biology student in school or university. Contains clear direct definitions of words and has a clear lay-out also, a must buy for the biologist of today.

A whole new world of evolution opened up, 11 Nov 2008
You're certain that the universe contains other complex life forms? -- this book questions that statistical assumption.
This is a wonderful read, and takes you into areas which, even when you've a scientific background, are mostly unfamiliar territory - mitochondria....... but are they that important? - you bet they are.
First we wouldn't be here, we simply would not have evolved, had mitochondria not come into existence.How this is likely to have come about is extensively discussed.
Secondly, the author is of the view that the likelyhood of mitochondria coming into existence at all is so amazingly miniscule that, even by the universe's standards of space and time ( so huge that other theories make the probability if complex life forming a statistical near certainty ) it is, he argues, extremely unlikely to have occured more than the once that has spawned us !
Thirdly, the mitochondrion, as the powerhouse of the cell, is also the seat of much that can go wrong, and ageing and cancer etc are examines from this perspective.
Finally, the genes in mitochondria can themselves mutate and are themselves subject to natural selection - not only that, but they are actually passed down into the next generation via the gamete ( only via the maternal line )........ this is another evolutionary route which has all sorts of interesting implications.
Mitochondria - they're where it's all at !

Excellent!, 21 Apr 2008
A fascinating overview of the importance of mitochondria, with some speculation clearly explained. It's a complicated subject, but extremely well written. Overpriced? hardly. Not sure what the previous reviewer thought the pictures could be of, anyway...

Best book of the year , 01 Jan 2008
Although I was initially put off by the gimmicky title I am pleased to report that this is a really good book and should suit those with an interest in cellular biology or evolution.
I feared that this would be one of those pop-science books full of sloppy terminology and exclaimation marks.In the event this was a fascinating read about the evolution of the eukaryotic cell, and the role of mitochondria. Difficult to put down. Buy it.


Ohh mitochondria, tell us the truth, 17 Sep 2007
What a book, absolutely fascinating and highly recommended, although I must say that this is not an easy book, in fact is kind of complex if you are not acquainted with the subject. This is not a critic, thing is I would not change a bit of it, but in my opinion, people should have a little knowledge of cellular metabolism and biochemistry before attempting this book.

After reading Dawkins book about the selfish gene, it was inevitable for me to wonder about life origins, why unicellular organisms have that tendency to complexity and to group itself, and how all this machinery works. This book provide a thorough and absorbing biography of Mitochondria and its symbiosis with eukaryotes, what is the function of each one, why there are two sexes and why we aged and finally become history. As you will see, our understanding of these matters is rather modest, the author insinuate possible solutions to some of the big questions, but in any case the subject is so interesting that you read this book excited all the way to the end.

How beautiful is life and how complex ... you can see that just watching a little fly and wonder how on earth this insect manage to fly, as if eukaryotes have a previous knowledge of Physics, as if they have all the basic solutions of nature in a template. I just know one thing: I want to know and read more about it.

Outstanding, 10 Jul 2007
This book is really outstanding. It contains a tremendous lot of interesting new information. Highly recommended!

the brain, 05 Sep 2008
a very good introduction in terms of getting you interested and it is fairly easy to understand. for someone with no previous knowledge of any biology it might seem a bit heavy but as long as you concentrate in the harder places it's not a problem. obviously it doesn't give a complete overview and some areas have to much or too little focus but it is an interesting and enthusiastic introduction which is a good way to decide if you are really interested in this kind of stuff, and if you are it points you in the right direction well with a further reading list. so if you have always wondered about how your brain and neuronal sensory and motor systems work this give you a good way to ease into the area, and will take you at most a two evenings to read.

A brainy introduction, but not picture perfect, 15 Oct 2007
O'Shea's book provides a very broad overview of the structure and function of the most complex object known to Man. The biochemical and physical interactions of neurons, the formation of memory, brain-machine interaction, and a range of other topics, are all touched upon in a readable and informative manner, pitched at the level of an intelligent beginner, and requiring just an elementary grasp of physics and chemistry. The book has one significant shortcoming: Most of the illustrations are copied from other publications, and are a poor match with the text. For example, on page 45 there is a diagram illustrating avoidance behaviour in unicellular animals, a simple concept not requiring a diagram, let alone one that occupies almost an entire page and contains labels that are not referenced in the text. Yet when we come to the discussion of the large-scale structure of the human brain, in Chapter 4, which cries out for a detailed diagram, there is none. I was reduced to finding one online, to refer to as I read the text. I agonized long and hard about whether to deduct a star, because I do recommend this book, but in the end I decided I had to. I hope OUP reissue it with more relevant illustrations.

"I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdgnieg...", 17 Jul 2007
"...after all, the brain is stupendously complicated." O'Shea breaks up his Introduction into chapters on the history of brain studies, the workings of an individual neuron, the brain as a whole (each region's functions), sense and perception, memory creation and, finally, AI and bionics. Despite some parts getting a bit down and dirty with those damn `facts of the matter', O'Shea manages to write a pretty engaging book, as a whole.
Whilst some sentences, like:
"Ionotropic receptors mediate a direct and rapid coupling between neurotransmitter binding and the generation of a brief electrical signal in the post-synaptic neuron",
for example, can make simple fools like me say `eep', I say to you DON'T WORRY, FOOLS!, they are few and far between and happily compensated for with gems such as:
"Astonishingly, when I saw this demonstrated recently, about half the audience completely failed to notice the gorilla."
And again:
"One of the neurons responded when seven quite different pictures of the same actress, Jennifer Aniston, were shown; yet in an extraordinary display of selectivity and discrimination the same neuron did not respond to pictures of Jennifer with her then husband Brad Pitt."
Thankfully, O'Shea litters the book with just such little hooks. The letter-jumbling above is one example, the best though are the web-links like the `invisible gorilla' (unbelievable) and the McGurk effect. Pick them up as you read and they're like helpful extras which break up the prose and make it all a lot more like fun. I get the impression this book could have been soooooo boring in the wrong hands, but the man did good. If you're curious about the brain, this is a definite yes.

The Brain and Me!, 02 Jul 2006
Professor Michael O'Shea implies that the brain does the thinking!
It ain't so.
I, the PERSON, use the brain. The question is 'who am I'?
The BRAIN is a functioning, material part of the body.
I, as a human being, am the sum of the totality of this being, part siritual, part physical.
I know and love using my brain. I know and love a rose because I can see, smell and touch it, but I cannot get the rose into my mind, for the rose is physical and my mind is not: i.e. my knowing power is spiritual.
I am a spiritial being as well as physical. Important to recognise this when considering the knowing and loving powers that I have, centered in the brain no doubt, but distinguishable from it.
The professor does not appear to make the distinction.

the new edition is incomplete, 18 Jul 2008
I really liked the Alberts. That's why I bought the new edition, my last edition is now more than 10 years old. What I liked was the coverage of a wide area of cell biology from the basics to developmental biology and immunology. I was therefore very disappointed when I read in the preface that the current paperback edition does not contain all chapters, some chapters are only available on the CD that is included with the book. What am I supposed to do, print the 300 missing pages? If you want the complete book you have to buy the hardback version, currently at about £100- I guess this was a trick of the publisher to rip of libraries, at least our library decided to buy the complete book at twice the price of the paperback...


A must for biology undergraduates., 03 Dec 2005
A really good textbook for all undergraduate biology and biochemistry students. One of the only books I consistently used throughout my course. I am now a teacher, and often use it to help bridge the gap for my students between A levels and university. It is very clear and the diagrams are excellent. If I were a student considering buying this book, I am not sure that I would spend the extra money on buying the latest edition. It costs enough to go to university as it is! If you do buy it used though, make sure it's in good condition as it will be well used.

Not bad! :), 05 Nov 2001
Good chapters on enzyme kinetics. Skips around, but it's all there. Easy reading (for biochem). Better than stryer ;).

Excellent book but out of date, 20 Sep 2001
A wonderfully written and illustrated book, but now totally out of date and in serious need of a new edition. Where is it?!

A foundation Text., 03 Sep 2001
This is an excellent, informative text. I used it extensively through my first degree, my masters and I even refer to it now while I'm doing my PhD. Money well spent.

An excellent text!, 22 Jan 2008
I found this text brilliant for a module in my second year of a Biology degree; the information is concise and to the point, the multimedia disk is brilliant and the questions helped to prepare me for my exams and had me thinking more outside the box. There are many wonderful diagrams, but the CD reminds a student that cells are 3D, dynamic entities and not flat and lifeless on a page.

A wonderful resource!

Well written and concise, 24 Apr 2007
As an A level Biology teacher I bought this book to better teach the subject. It is very easy to read and the diagrams are very clear. It covers material in more detail than required for an A level student but would prove ideal for a first year biology or biochemistry course or any A level Biology teacher.
It does what it says in the title covering most aspects of cell physiology, I particularly liked its clear treatment of DNA replication and basic biochemistry. The book comes with a CD Rom containing stills and short animations some of which are superb teaching material, I particularly enjoyed the ATPase movie. On the downside some of the CD Rom files seemed empty of content but that is my only gripe, overall a great book.

I wish I hadn't bought this, 20 May 2008
Like other reviewers I find this dictionary constantly frustrating. It is not comprehensive, and more often than not it doesn't have the term I am looking for, meaning I have to resort to the internet or textbooks. For example, it has the definition for 'jaw' but lacks 'qualia' and 'geosmins'. Not recommended for anyone above A level.

a little too basic for a Biology BSc., 22 Jan 2008
I have found this Biology dictionary to be lacking many important terms in the second year of my degree, and I have generally been disappointed with it. I believe it is fine for A-levels, and acceptable in a first year biology degree; but this needs companion texts for later degree years as modules advance.

Maintain that resting potential, now!, 01 Dec 2006
The question was: what (or whatever) maintains the resting membrane potential nowadays! I always thought that it was the sodium pump (or Na K ATPase etc.). Recently, I heard: No, it is not the sodium pump that maintains the resting potential. So I checked both the Oxford and the Penguin Dictionaries of Biology. Oxford says that the resting potential is maintained by the sodium pump; however, the Penguin says it is the leaky potassium channels, and sodium pump plays a slight role. Well, it is one of those academic debates, it would seem--which really mean nothing--because nothing is at stake! The debate is from confusing maintenance, recovery, and repair--perhaps. Is it the resting potential (a thing being maintained) or is it the repolarization after a depolarization (a thing in recovery) that we are talking about? Is maintenance still maintenance if you spend energy in extruding the smaller atoms out--well: a running car can be maintained only by spending money? Perhaps, after all, it is only the usual confusion of the frogs in a well: they can only see the stars in their own horizons. The whole biological process has several components, and to know which is the one--well, just take one out and see if the process holds and functions. Which brick is the most important in a wall? Clearly, the truth is never simple, and possibly there is no such thing as the truth. Things evolve using all of the components--and are what they are. So, I guess it is always the context and it is always relative: point of view etc. There is no simple correct answer because the question is incorrectly formulated--without the necessary context. What is more important in the running of a car: the engine or the gas? So get both the Oxford and Penguin--they complement, and both are useful when viewed and understood in the right context: neither can replace the textbook; and no textbook replaces all the source materials--but you need to start somewhere. For a rich fantasy life read Ayul Zamir's Intern Beth. Now, whatever maintains that resting membrane potential!

What not to buy, 13 Dec 2005
if your looking for a dictionary for a degree course this would not be it. many biological terms and definitions are not listed. your better off buying either the henderson biological dictionary or the penguin one, as these have far more terms and are listed in a more clear and consise manner.

Just what you need, 02 Jul 2005
This is an excellent dictionary for any biology student in school or university. Contains clear direct definitions of words and has a clear lay-out also, a must buy for the biologist of today.

A whole new world of evolution opened up, 11 Nov 2008
You're certain that the universe contains other complex life forms? -- this book questions that statistical assumption.
This is a wonderful read, and takes you into areas which, even when you've a scientific background, are mostly unfamiliar territory - mitochondria....... but are they that important? - you bet they are.
First we wouldn't be here, we simply would not have evolved, had mitochondria not come into existence.How this is likely to have come about is extensively discussed.
Secondly, the author is of the view that the likelyhood of mitochondria coming into existence at all is so amazingly miniscule that, even by the universe's standards of space and time ( so huge that other theories make the probability if complex life forming a statistical near certainty ) it is, he argues, extremely unlikely to have occured more than the once that has spawned us !
Thirdly, the mitochondrion, as the powerhouse of the cell, is also the seat of much that can go wrong, and ageing and cancer etc are examines from this perspective.
Finally, the genes in mitochondria can themselves mutate and are themselves subject to natural selection - not only that, but they are actually passed down into the next generation via the gamete ( only via the maternal line )........ this is another evolutionary route which has all sorts of interesting implications.
Mitochondria - they're where it's all at !

Excellent!, 21 Apr 2008
A fascinating overview of the importance of mitochondria, with some speculation clearly explained. It's a complicated subject, but extremely well written. Overpriced? hardly. Not sure what the previous reviewer thought the pictures could be of, anyway...

Best book of the year , 01 Jan 2008
Although I was initially put off by the gimmicky title I am pleased to report that this is a really good book and should suit those with an interest in cellular biology or evolution.
I feared that this would be one of those pop-science books full of sloppy terminology and exclaimation marks.In the event this was a fascinating read about the evolution of the eukaryotic cell, and the role of mitochondria. Difficult to put down. Buy it.


Ohh mitochondria, tell us the truth, 17 Sep 2007
What a book, absolutely fascinating and highly recommended, although I must say that this is not an easy book, in fact is kind of complex if you are not acquainted with the subject. This is not a critic, thing is I would not change a bit of it, but in my opinion, people should have a little knowledge of cellular metabolism and biochemistry before attempting this book.

After reading Dawkins book about the selfish gene, it was inevitable for me to wonder about life origins, why unicellular organisms have that tendency to complexity and to group itself, and how all this machinery works. This book provide a thorough and absorbing biography of Mitochondria and its symbiosis with eukaryotes, what is the function of each one, why there are two sexes and why we aged and finally become history. As you will see, our understanding of these matters is rather modest, the author insinuate possible solutions to some of the big questions, but in any case the subject is so interesting that you read this book excited all the way to the end.

How beautiful is life and how complex ... you can see that just watching a little fly and wonder how on earth this insect manage to fly, as if eukaryotes have a previous knowledge of Physics, as if they have all the basic solutions of nature in a template. I just know one thing: I want to know and read more about it.

Outstanding, 10 Jul 2007
This book is really outstanding. It contains a tremendous lot of interesting new information. Highly recommended!

the brain, 05 Sep 2008
a very good introduction in terms of getting you interested and it is fairly easy to understand. for someone with no previous knowledge of any biology it might seem a bit heavy but as long as you concentrate in the harder places it's not a problem. obviously it doesn't give a complete overview and some areas have to much or too little focus but it is an interesting and enthusiastic introduction which is a good way to decide if you are really interested in this kind of stuff, and if you are it points you in the right direction well with a further reading list. so if you have always wondered about how your brain and neuronal sensory and motor systems work this give you a good way to ease into the area, and will take you at most a two evenings to read.

A brainy introduction, but not picture perfect, 15 Oct 2007
O'Shea's book provides a very broad overview of the structure and function of the most complex object known to Man. The biochemical and physical interactions of neurons, the formation of memory, brain-machine interaction, and a range of other topics, are all touched upon in a readable and informative manner, pitched at the level of an intelligent beginner, and requiring just an elementary grasp of physics and chemistry. The book has one significant shortcoming: Most of the illustrations are copied from other publications, and are a poor match with the text. For example, on page 45 there is a diagram illustrating avoidance behaviour in unicellular animals, a simple concept not requiring a diagram, let alone one that occupies almost an entire page and contains labels that are not referenced in the text. Yet when we come to the discussion of the large-scale structure of the human brain, in Chapter 4, which cries out for a detailed diagram, there is none. I was reduced to finding one online, to refer to as I read the text. I agonized long and hard about whether to deduct a star, because I do recommend this book, but in the end I decided I had to. I hope OUP reissue it with more relevant illustrations.

"I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdgnieg...", 17 Jul 2007
"...after all, the brain is stupendously complicated." O'Shea breaks up his Introduction into chapters on the history of brain studies, the workings of an individual neuron, the brain as a whole (each region's functions), sense and perception, memory creation and, finally, AI and bionics. Despite some parts getting a bit down and dirty with those damn `facts of the matter', O'Shea manages to write a pretty engaging book, as a whole.
Whilst some sentences, like:
"Ionotropic receptors mediate a direct and rapid coupling between neurotransmitter binding and the generation of a brief electrical signal in the post-synaptic neuron",
for example, can make simple fools like me say `eep', I say to you DON'T WORRY, FOOLS!, they are few and far between and happily compensated for with gems such as:
"Astonishingly, when I saw this demonstrated recently, about half the audience completely failed to notice the gorilla."
And again:
"One of the neurons responded when seven quite different pictures of the same actress, Jennifer Aniston, were shown; yet in an extraordinary display of selectivity and discrimination the same neuron did not respond to pictures of Jennifer with her then husband Brad Pitt."
Thankfully, O'Shea litters the book with just such little hooks. The letter-jumbling above is one example, the best though are the web-links like the `invisible gorilla' (unbelievable) and the McGurk effect. Pick them up as you read and they're like helpful extras which break up the prose and make it all a lot more like fun. I get the impression this book could have been soooooo boring in the wrong hands, but the man did good. If you're curious about the brain, this is a definite yes.

The Brain and Me!, 02 Jul 2006
Professor Michael O'Shea implies that the brain does the thinking!
It ain't so.
I, the PERSON, use the brain. The question is 'who am I'?
The BRAIN is a functioning, material part of the body.
I, as a human being, am the sum of the totality of this being, part siritual, part physical.
I know and love using my brain. I know and love a rose because I can see, smell and touch it, but I cannot get the rose into my mind, for the rose is physical and my mind is not: i.e. my knowing power is spiritual.
I am a spiritial being as well as physical. Important to recognise this when considering the knowing and loving powers that I have, centered in the brain no doubt, but distinguishable from it.
The professor does not appear to make the distinction.



ideal for the basics, 16 Apr 2008
This book is ideal for medical students who just need the basics about immunology. Its possible to read the entire book from cover to cover and understand most (if not all) of what is written. There are no flashy diagrams or colour pictures, however the text is almost perfect. You will understand how the body fights infection once you have read it.

Great for Univ of Manchester students, 06 Feb 2008
This book is all u need for immunology exam, even without attending his lectures! It's a well written textbook aim for undergraduate taking his course module. I personally think he used a very basic language to explain things, so it's easy for us to get a good understanding of wot's going on. All the exams questions were based on this textbook. So it is a great helper though it's pretty expensive for such a small textbook. Try to get it from the library before u decided to own one.

Well structured but sloppy, 03 Jan 2007
This book was the recommended text for my Immunology module (a second year course to give an idea of its level). It pretty much mirrors my course, as far as I can tell, so if you're at Manchester University you will probably want to buy this book.

Each chapter is clearly structured and as a rule topics are well laid out. The diagrams and boxes contain useful additions to the text which helped me understand some of the more complicated sections. Sometimes the author appears to talk around a point however, evidence more thorough editing was perhaps necessary to make the book more concise.

Furthermore, I have serious issues with the grammar used. It frequently talks of 'antibody' and 'antigen' in a plural sense with singular grammar. Maybe Dr Wood is actually correct, I would not claim to be an authority; however it reads badly to me and made reading difficult in some sections - having to decipher the concepts could be difficult enough without having to decipher the text first.

I do not feel that I should condemn the book for the grammar alone, if you are taking an Immunology course you will probably need a text book, and I dare say this is as good as any out there. It might be an idea to try to pick up a copy on Amazon Market place or eBay though, the book is pretty expensive ",

4/5

the new edition is incomplete, 18 Jul 2008
I really liked the Alberts. That's why I bought the new edition, my last edition is now more than 10 years old. What I liked was the coverage of a wide area of cell biology from the basics to developmental biology and immunology. I was therefore very disappointed when I read in the preface that the current paperback edition does not contain all chapters, some chapters are only available on the CD that is included with the book. What am I supposed to do, print the 300 missing pages? If you want the complete book you have to buy the hardback version, currently at about £100- I guess this was a trick of the publisher to rip of libraries, at least our library decided to buy the complete book at twice the price of the paperback...


A must for biology undergraduates., 03 Dec 2005
A really good textbook for all undergraduate biology and biochemistry students. One of the only books I consistently used throughout my course. I am now a teacher, and often use it to help bridge the gap for my students between A levels and university. It is very clear and the diagrams are excellent. If I were a student considering buying this book, I am not sure that I would spend the extra money on buying the latest edition. It costs enough to go to university as it is! If you do buy it used though, make sure it's in good condition as it will be well used.

Not bad! :), 05 Nov 2001
Good chapters on enzyme kinetics. Skips around, but it's all there. Easy reading (for biochem). Better than stryer ;).

Excellent book but out of date, 20 Sep 2001
A wonderfully written and illustrated book, but now totally out of date and in serious need of a new edition. Where is it?!

A foundation Text., 03 Sep 2001
This is an excellent, informative text. I used it extensively through my first degree, my masters and I even refer to it now while I'm doing my PhD. Money well spent.

An excellent text!, 22 Jan 2008
I found this text brilliant for a module in my second year of a Biology degree; the information is concise and to the point, the multimedia disk is brilliant and the questions helped to prepare me for my exams and had me thinking more outside the box. There are many wonderful diagrams, but the CD reminds a student that cells are 3D, dynamic entities and not flat and lifeless on a page.

A wonderful resource!

Well written and concise, 24 Apr 2007
As an A level Biology teacher I bought this book to better teach the subject. It is very easy to read and the diagrams are very clear. It covers material in more detail than required for an A level student but would prove ideal for a first year biology or biochemistry course or any A level Biology teacher.
It does what it says in the title covering most aspects of cell physiology, I particularly liked its clear treatment of DNA replication and basic biochemistry. The book comes with a CD Rom containing stills and short animations some of which are superb teaching material, I particularly enjoyed the ATPase movie. On the downside some of the CD Rom files seemed empty of content but that is my only gripe, overall a great book.

I wish I hadn't bought this, 20 May 2008
Like other reviewers I find this dictionary constantly frustrating. It is not comprehensive, and more often than not it doesn't have the term I am looking for, meaning I have to resort to the internet or textbooks. For example, it has the definition for 'jaw' but lacks 'qualia' and 'geosmins'. Not recommended for anyone above A level.

a little too basic for a Biology BSc., 22 Jan 2008
I have found this Biology dictionary to be lacking many important terms in the second year of my degree, and I have generally been disappointed with it. I believe it is fine for A-levels, and acceptable in a first year biology degree; but this needs companion texts for later degree years as modules advance.

Maintain that resting potential, now!, 01 Dec 2006
The question was: what (or whatever) maintains the resting membrane potential nowadays! I always thought that it was the sodium pump (or Na K ATPase etc.). Recently, I heard: No, it is not the sodium pump that maintains the resting potential. So I checked both the Oxford and the Penguin Dictionaries of Biology. Oxford says that the resting potential is maintained by the sodium pump; however, the Penguin says it is the leaky potassium channels, and sodium pump plays a slight role. Well, it is one of those academic debates, it would seem--which really mean nothing--because nothing is at stake! The debate is from confusing maintenance, recovery, and repair--perhaps. Is it the resting potential (a thing being maintained) or is it the repolarization after a depolarization (a thing in recovery) that we are talking about? Is maintenance still maintenance if you spend energy in extruding the smaller atoms out--well: a running car can be maintained only by spending money? Perhaps, after all, it is only the usual confusion of the frogs in a well: they can only see the stars in their own horizons. The whole biological process has several components, and to know which is the one--well, just take one out and see if the process holds and functions. Which brick is the most important in a wall? Clearly, the truth is never simple, and possibly there is no such thing as the truth. Things evolve using all of the components--and are what they are. So, I guess it is always the context and it is always relative: point of view etc. There is no simple correct answer because the question is incorrectly formulated--without the necessary context. What is more important in the running of a car: the engine or the gas? So get both the Oxford and Penguin--they complement, and both are useful when viewed and understood in the right context: neither can replace the textbook; and no textbook replaces all the source materials--but you need to start somewhere. For a rich fantasy life read Ayul Zamir's Intern Beth. Now, whatever maintains that resting membrane potential!

What not to buy, 13 Dec 2005
if your looking for a dictionary for a degree course this would not be it. many biological terms and definitions are not listed. your better off buying either the henderson biological dictionary or the penguin one, as these have far more terms and are listed in a more clear and consise manner.

Just what you need, 02 Jul 2005
This is an excellent dictionary for any biology student in school or university. Contains clear direct definitions of words and has a clear lay-out also, a must buy for the biologist of today.

A whole new world of evolution opened up, 11 Nov 2008
You're certain that the universe contains other complex life forms? -- this book questions that statistical assumption.
This is a wonderful read, and takes you into areas which, even when you've a scientific background, are mostly unfamiliar territory - mitochondria....... but are they that important? - you bet they are.
First we wouldn't be here, we simply would not have evolved, had mitochondria not come into existence.How this is likely to have come about is extensively discussed.
Secondly, the author is of the view that the likelyhood of mitochondria coming into existence at all is so amazingly miniscule that, even by the universe's standards of space and time ( so huge that other theories make the probability if complex life forming a statistical near certainty ) it is, he argues, extremely unlikely to have occured more than the once that has spawned us !
Thirdly, the mitochondrion, as the powerhouse of the cell, is also the seat of much that can go wrong, and ageing and cancer etc are examines from this perspective.
Finally, the genes in mitochondria can themselves mutate and are themselves subject to natural selection - not only that, but they are actually passed down into the next generation via the gamete ( only via the maternal line )........ this is another evolutionary route which has all sorts of interesting implications.
Mitochondria - they're where it's all at !

Excellent!, 21 Apr 2008
A fascinating overview of the importance of mitochondria, with some speculation clearly explained. It's a complicated subject, but extremely well written. Overpriced? hardly. Not sure what the previous reviewer thought the pictures could be of, anyway...

Best book of the year , 01 Jan 2008
Although I was initially put off by the gimmicky title I am pleased to report that this is a really good book and should suit those with an interest in cellular biology or evolution.
I feared that this would be one of those pop-science books full of sloppy terminology and exclaimation marks.In the event this was a fascinating read about the evolution of the eukaryotic cell, and the role of mitochondria. Difficult to put down. Buy it.


Ohh mitochondria, tell us the truth, 17 Sep 2007
What a book, absolutely fascinating and highly recommended, although I must say that this is not an easy book, in fact is kind of complex if you are not acquainted with the subject. This is not a critic, thing is I would not change a bit of it, but in my opinion, people should have a little knowledge of cellular metabolism and biochemistry before attempting this book.

After reading Dawkins book about the selfish gene, it was inevitable for me to wonder about life origins, why unicellular organisms have that tendency to complexity and to group itself, and how all this machinery works. This book provide a thorough and absorbing biography of Mitochondria and its symbiosis with eukaryotes, what is the function of each one, why there are two sexes and why we aged and finally become history. As you will see, our understanding of these matters is rather modest, the author insinuate possible solutions to some of the big questions, but in any case the subject is so interesting that you read this book excited all the way to the end.

How beautiful is life and how complex ... you can see that just watching a little fly and wonder how on earth this insect manage to fly, as if eukaryotes have a previous knowledge of Physics, as if they have all the basic solutions of nature in a template. I just know one thing: I want to know and read more about it.

Outstanding, 10 Jul 2007
This book is really outstanding. It contains a tremendous lot of interesting new information. Highly recommended!

the brain, 05 Sep 2008
a very good introduction in terms of getting you interested and it is fairly easy to understand. for someone with no previous knowledge of any biology it might seem a bit heavy but as long as you concentrate in the harder places it's not a problem. obviously it doesn't give a complete overview and some areas have to much or too little focus but it is an interesting and enthusiastic introduction which is a good way to decide if you are really interested in this kind of stuff, and if you are it points you in the right direction well with a further reading list. so if you have always wondered about how your brain and neuronal sensory and motor systems work this give you a good way to ease into the area, and will take you at most a two evenings to read.

A brainy introduction, but not picture perfect, 15 Oct 2007
O'Shea's book provides a very broad overview of the structure and function of the most complex object known to Man. The biochemical and physical interactions of neurons, the formation of memory, brain-machine interaction, and a range of other topics, are all touched upon in a readable and informative manner, pitched at the level of an intelligent beginner, and requiring just an elementary grasp of physics and chemistry. The book has one significant shortcoming: Most of the illustrations are copied from other publications, and are a poor match with the text. For example, on page 45 there is a diagram illustrating avoidance behaviour in unicellular animals, a simple concept not requiring a diagram, let alone one that occupies almost an entire page and contains labels that are not referenced in the text. Yet when we come to the discussion of the large-scale structure of the human brain, in Chapter 4, which cries out for a detailed diagram, there is none. I was reduced to finding one online, to refer to as I read the text. I agonized long and hard about whether to deduct a star, because I do recommend this book, but in the end I decided I had to. I hope OUP reissue it with more relevant illustrations.

"I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdgnieg...", 17 Jul 2007
"...after all, the brain is stupendously complicated." O'Shea breaks up his Introduction into chapters on the history of brain studies, the workings of an individual neuron, the brain as a whole (each region's functions), sense and perception, memory creation and, finally, AI and bionics. Despite some parts getting a bit down and dirty with those damn `facts of the matter', O'Shea manages to write a pretty engaging book, as a whole.
Whilst some sentences, like:
"Ionotropic receptors mediate a direct and rapid coupling between neurotransmitter binding and the generation of a brief electrical signal in the post-synaptic neuron",
for example, can make simple fools like me say `eep', I say to you DON'T WORRY, FOOLS!, they are few and far between and happily compensated for with gems such as:
"Astonishingly, when I saw this demonstrated recently, about half the audience completely failed to notice the gorilla."
And again:
"One of the neurons responded when seven quite different pictures of the same actress, Jennifer Aniston, were shown; yet in an extraordinary display of selectivity and discrimination the same neuron did not respond to pictures of Jennifer with her then husband Brad Pitt."
Thankfully, O'Shea litters the book with just such little hooks. The letter-jumbling above is one example, the best though are the web-links like the `invisible gorilla' (unbelievable) and the McGurk effect. Pick them up as you read and they're like helpful extras which break up the prose and make it all a lot more like fun. I get the impression this book could have been soooooo boring in the wrong hands, but the man did good. If you're curious about the brain, this is a definite yes.

The Brain and Me!, 02 Jul 2006
Professor Michael O'Shea implies that the brain does the thinking!
It ain't so.
I, the PERSON, use the brain. The question is 'who am I'?
The BRAIN is a functioning, material part of the body.
I, as a human being, am the sum of the totality of this being, part siritual, part physical.
I know and love using my brain. I know and love a rose because I can see, smell and touch it, but I cannot get the rose into my mind, for the rose is physical and my mind is not: i.e. my knowing power is spiritual.
I am a spiritial being as well as physical. Important to recognise this when considering the knowing and loving powers that I have, centered in the brain no doubt, but distinguishable from it.
The professor does not appear to make the distinction.



ideal for the basics, 16 Apr 2008
This book is ideal for medical students who just need the basics about immunology. Its possible to read the entire book from cover to cover and understand most (if not all) of what is written. There are no flashy diagrams or colour pictures, however the text is almost perfect. You will understand how the body fights infection once you have read it.

Great for Univ of Manchester students, 06 Feb 2008
This book is all u need for immunology exam, even without attending his lectures! It's a well written textbook aim for undergraduate taking his course module. I personally think he used a very basic language to explain things, so it's easy for us to get a good understanding of wot's going on. All the exams questions were based on this textbook. So it is a great helper though it's pretty expensive for such a small textbook. Try to get it from the library before u decided to own one.

Well structured but sloppy, 03 Jan 2007
This book was the recommended text for my Immunology module (a second year course to give an idea of its level). It pretty much mirrors my course, as far as I can tell, so if you're at Manchester University you will probably want to buy this book.

Each chapter is clearly structured and as a rule topics are well laid out. The diagrams and boxes contain useful additions to the text which helped me understand some of the more complicated sections. Sometimes the author appears to talk around a point however, evidence more thorough editing was perhaps necessary to make the book more concise.

Furthermore, I have serious issues with the grammar used. It frequently talks of 'antibody' and 'antigen' in a plural sense with singular grammar. Maybe Dr Wood is actually correct, I would not claim to be an authority; however it reads badly to me and made reading difficult in some sections - having to decipher the concepts could be difficult enough without having to decipher the text first.

I do not feel that I should condemn the book for the grammar alone, if you are taking an Immunology course you will probably need a text book, and I dare say this is as good as any out there. It might be an idea to try to pick up a copy on Amazon Market place or eBay though, the book is pretty expensive ",

4/5

Best Molecular Genetics Textbook!, 09 Sep 2008
This is an updated version (2006) which is significantly better than previous edition. Compared to Human Molecular Genetics (Strachan & Read), the Genome 3 is by far an easier textbook to read with excellent illustrations and an accompanying CD with all photos in jpeg or powerpoint ready figures - excellent for Lecturers who teach on the subject!! It has good introduction from DNA to genes to DNA replication /transcription/translation and more. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in molecular genomics especially undergraduates science/medical/dental students.

the new edition is incomplete, 18 Jul 2008
I really liked the Alberts. That's why I bought the new edition, my last edition is now more than 10 years old. What I liked was the coverage of a wide area of cell biology from the basics to developmental biology and immunology. I was therefore very disappointed when I read in the preface that the current paperback edition does not contain all chapters, some chapters are only available on the CD that is included with the book. What am I supposed to do, print the 300 missing pages? If you want the complete book you have to buy the hardback version, currently at about £100- I guess this was a trick of the publisher to rip of libraries, at least our library decided to buy the complete book at twice the price of the paperback...


A must for biology undergraduates., 03 Dec 2005
A really good textbook for all undergraduate biology and biochemistry students. One of the only books I consistently used throughout my course. I am now a teacher, and often use it to help bridge the gap for my students between A levels and university. It is very clear and the diagrams are excellent. If I were a student considering buying this book, I am not sure that I would spend the extra money on buying the latest edition. It costs enough to go to university as it is! If you do buy it used though, make sure it's in good condition as it will be well used.

Not bad! :), 05 Nov 2001
Good chapters on enzyme kinetics. Skips around, but it's all there. Easy reading (for biochem). Better than stryer ;).

Excellent book but out of date, 20 Sep 2001
A wonderfully written and illustrated book, but now totally out of date and in serious need of a new edition. Where is it?!

A foundation Text., 03 Sep 2001
This is an excellent, informative text. I used it extensively through my first degree, my masters and I even refer to it now while I'm doing my PhD. Money well spent.

An excellent text!, 22 Jan 2008
I found this text brilliant for a module in my second year of a Biology degree; the information is concise and to the point, the multimedia disk is brilliant and the questions helped to prepare me for my exams and had me thinking more outside the box. There are many wonderful diagrams, but the CD reminds a student that cells are 3D, dynamic entities and not flat and lifeless on a page.

A wonderful resource!

Well written and concise, 24 Apr 2007
As an A level Biology teacher I bought this book to better teach the subject. It is very easy to read and the diagrams are very clear. It covers material in more detail than required for an A level student but would prove ideal for a first year biology or biochemistry course or any A level Biology teacher.
It does what it says in the title covering most aspects of cell physiology, I particularly liked its clear treatment of DNA replication and basic biochemistry. The book comes with a CD Rom containing stills and short animations some of which are superb teaching material, I particularly enjoyed the ATPase movie. On the downside some of the CD Rom files seemed empty of content but that is my only gripe, overall a great book.

I wish I hadn't bought this, 20 May 2008
Like other reviewers I find this dictionary constantly frustrating. It is not comprehensive, and more often than not it doesn't have the term I am looking for, meaning I have to resort to the internet or textbooks. For example, it has the definition for 'jaw' but lacks 'qualia' and 'geosmins'. Not recommended for anyone above A level.

a little too basic for a Biology BSc., 22 Jan 2008
I have found this Biology dictionary to be lacking many important terms in the second year of my degree, and I have generally been disappointed with it. I believe it is fine for A-levels, and acceptable in a first year biology degree; but this needs companion texts for later degree years as modules advance.

Maintain that resting potential, now!, 01 Dec 2006
The question was: what (or whatever) maintains the resting membrane potential nowadays! I always thought that it was the sodium pump (or Na K ATPase etc.). Recently, I heard: No, it is not the sodium pump that maintains the resting potential. So I checked both the Oxford and the Penguin Dictionaries of Biology. Oxford says that the resting potential is maintained by the sodium pump; however, the Penguin says it is the leaky potassium channels, and sodium pump plays a slight role. Well, it is one of those academic debates, it would seem--which really mean nothing--because nothing is at stake! The debate is from confusing maintenance, recovery, and repair--perhaps. Is it the resting potential (a thing being maintained) or is it the repolarization after a depolarization (a thing in recovery) that we are talking about? Is maintenance still maintenance if you spend energy in extruding the smaller atoms out--well: a running car can be maintained only by spending money? Perhaps, after all, it is only the usual confusion of the frogs in a well: they can only see the stars in their own horizons. The whole biological process has several components, and to know which is the one--well, just take one out and see if the process holds and functions. Which brick is the most important in a wall? Clearly, the truth is never simple, and possibly there is no such thing as the truth. Things evolve using all of the components--and are what they are. So, I guess it is always the context and it is always relative: point of view etc. There is no simple correct answer because the question is incorrectly formulated--without the necessary context. What is more important in the running of a car: the engine or the gas? So get both the Oxford and Penguin--they complement, and both are useful when viewed and understood in the right context: neither can replace the textbook; and no textbook replaces all the source materials--but you need to start somewhere. For a rich fantasy life read Ayul Zamir's Intern Beth. Now, whatever maintains that resting membrane potential!

What not to buy, 13 Dec 2005
if your looking for a dictionary for a degree course this would not be it. many biological terms and definitions are not listed. your better off buying either the henderson biological dictionary or the penguin one, as these have far more terms and are listed in a more clear and consise manner.

Just what you need, 02 Jul 2005
This is an excellent dictionary for any biology student in school or university. Contains clear direct definitions of words and has a clear lay-out also, a must buy for the biologist of today.

A whole new world of evolution opened up, 11 Nov 2008
You're certain that the universe contains other complex life forms? -- this book questions that statistical assumption.
This is a wonderful read, and takes you into areas which, even when you've a scientific background, are mostly unfamiliar territory - mitochondria....... but are they that important? - you bet they are.
First we wouldn't be here, we simply would not have evolved, had mitochondria not come into existence.How this is likely to have come about is extensively discussed.
Secondly, the author is of the view that the likelyhood of mitochondria coming into existence at all is so amazingly miniscule that, even by the universe's standards of space and time ( so huge that other theories make the probability if complex life forming a statistical near certainty ) it is, he argues, extremely unlikely to have occured more than the once that has spawned us !
Thirdly, the mitochondrion, as the powerhouse of the cell, is also the seat of much that can go wrong, and ageing and cancer etc are examines from this perspective.
Finally, the genes in mitochondria can themselves mutate and are themselves subject to natural selection - not only that, but they are actually passed down into the next generation via the gamete ( only via the maternal line )........ this is another evolutionary route which has all sorts of interesting implications.
Mitochondria - they're where it's all at !

Excellent!, 21 Apr 2008
A fascinating overview of the importance of mitochondria, with some speculation clearly explained. It's a complicated subject, but extremely well written. Overpriced? hardly. Not sure what the previous reviewer thought the pictures could be of, anyway...

Best book of the year , 01 Jan 2008
Although I was initially put off by the gimmicky title I am pleased to report that this is a really good book and should suit those with an interest in cellular biology or evolution.
I feared that this would be one of those pop-science books full of sloppy terminology and exclaimation marks.In the event this was a fascinating read about the evolution of the eukaryotic cell, and the role of mitochondria. Difficult to put down. Buy it.


Ohh mitochondria, tell us the truth, 17 Sep 2007
What a book, absolutely fascinating and highly recommended, although I must say that this is not an easy book, in fact is kind of complex if you are not acquainted with the subject. This is not a critic, thing is I would not change a bit of it, but in my opinion, people should have a little knowledge of cellular metabolism and biochemistry before attempting this book.

After reading Dawkins book about the selfish gene, it was inevitable for me to wonder about life origins, why unicellular organisms have that tendency to complexity and to group itself, and how all this machinery works. This book provide a thorough and absorbing biography of Mitochondria and its symbiosis with eukaryotes, what is the function of each one, why there are two sexes and why we aged and finally become history. As you will see, our understanding of these matters is rather modest, the author insinuate possible solutions to some of the big questions, but in any case the subject is so interesting that you read this book excited all the way to the end.

How beautiful is life and how complex ... you can see that just watching a little fly and wonder how on earth this insect manage to fly, as if eukaryotes have a previous knowledge of Physics, as if they have all the basic solutions of nature in a template. I just know one thing: I want to know and read more about it.

Outstanding, 10 Jul 2007
This book is really outstanding. It contains a tremendous lot of interesting new information. Highly recommended!

the brain, 05 Sep 2008
a very good introduction in terms of getting you interested and it is fairly easy to understand. for someone with no previous knowledge of any biology it might seem a bit heavy but as long as you concentrate in the harder places it's not a problem. obviously it doesn't give a complete overview and some areas have to much or too little focus but it is an interesting and enthusiastic introduction which is a good way to decide if you are really interested in this kind of stuff, and if you are it points you in the right direction well with a further reading list. so if you have always wondered about how your brain and neuronal sensory and motor systems work this give you a good way to ease into the area, and will take you at most a two evenings to read.

A brainy introduction, but not picture perfect, 15 Oct 2007
O'Shea's book provides a very broad overview of the structure and function of the most complex object known to Man. The biochemical and physical interactions of neurons, the formation of memory, brain-machine interaction, and a range of other topics, are all touched upon in a readable and informative manner, pitched at the level of an intelligent beginner, and requiring just an elementary grasp of physics and chemistry. The book has one significant shortcoming: Most of the illustrations are copied from other publications, and are a poor match with the text. For example, on page 45 there is a diagram illustrating avoidance behaviour in unicellular animals, a simple concept not requiring a diagram, let alone one that occupies almost an entire page and contains labels that are not referenced in the text. Yet when we come to the discussion of the large-scale structure of the human brain, in Chapter 4, which cries out for a detailed diagram, there is none. I was reduced to finding one online, to refer to as I read the text. I agonized long and hard about whether to deduct a star, because I do recommend this book, but in the end I decided I had to. I hope OUP reissue it with more relevant illustrations.

"I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdgnieg...", 17 Jul 2007
"...after all, the brain is stupendously complicated." O'Shea breaks up his Introduction into chapters on the history of brain studies, the workings of an individual neuron, the brain as a whole (each region's functions), sense and perception, memory creation and, finally, AI and bionics. Despite some parts getting a bit down and dirty with those damn `facts of the matter', O'Shea manages to write a pretty engaging book, as a whole.
Whilst some sentences, like:
"Ionotropic receptors mediate a direct and rapid coupling between neurotransmitter binding and the generation of a brief electrical signal in the post-synaptic neuron",
for example, can make simple fools like me say `eep', I say to you DON'T WORRY, FOOLS!, they are few and far between and happily compensated for with gems such as:
"Astonishingly, when I saw this demonstrated recently, about half the audience completely failed to notice the gorilla."
And again:
"One of the neurons responded when seven quite different pictures of the same actress, Jennifer Aniston, were shown; yet in an extraordinary display of selectivity and discrimination the same neuron did not respond to pictures of Jennifer with her then husband Brad Pitt."
Thankfully, O'Shea litters the book with just such little hooks. The letter-jumbling above is one example, the best though are the web-links like the `invisible gorilla' (unbelievable) and the McGurk effect. Pick them up as you read and they're like helpful extras which break up the prose and make it all a lot more like fun. I get the impression this book could have been soooooo boring in the wrong hands, but the man did good. If you're curious about the brain, this is a definite yes.

The Brain and Me!, 02 Jul 2006
Professor Michael O'Shea implies that the brain does the thinking!
It ain't so.
I, the PERSON, use the brain. The question is 'who am I'?
The BRAIN is a functioning, material part of the body.
I, as a human being, am the sum of the totality of this being, part siritual, part physical.
I know and love using my brain. I know and love a rose because I can see, smell and touch it, but I cannot get the rose into my mind, for the rose is physical and my mind is not: i.e. my knowing power is spiritual.
I am a spiritial being as well as physical. Important to recognise this when considering the knowing and loving powers that I have, centered in the brain no doubt, but distinguishable from it.
The professor does not appear to make the distinction.



ideal for the basics, 16 Apr 2008
This book is ideal for medical students who just need the basics about immunology. Its possible to read the entire book from cover to cover and understand most (if not all) of what is written. There are no flashy diagrams or colour pictures, however the text is almost perfect. You will understand how the body fights infection once you have read it.

Great for Univ of Manchester students, 06 Feb 2008
This book is all u need for immunology exam, even without attending his lectures! It's a well written textbook aim for undergraduate taking his course module. I personally think he used a very basic language to explain things, so it's easy for us to get a good understanding of wot's going on. All the exams questions were based on this textbook. So it is a great helper though it's pretty expensive for such a small textbook. Try to get it from the library before u decided to own one.

Well structured but sloppy, 03 Jan 2007
This book was the recommended text for my Immunology module (a second year course to give an idea of its level). It pretty much mirrors my course, as far as I can tell, so if you're at Manchester University you will probably want to buy this book