Cytology and Cell Physiology

Book excerpt: Cytology and Cell Physiology, Third Edition focuses on cell cytology and physiology as well as recent advances in the techniques in studying cells, including microscopy. It also describes cell membranes, surface, and physiology; cytoplasmic constituents; nucleus and nucleocytoplasmic reactions; enzyme histochemistry and cytochemistry; viruses within cells; and morphology of the cancer cell. Organized into 13 chapters, this edition begins with a historical overview of cytology, the template hypothesis of protein synthesis, and the respiratory function of mitochondria. It then discusses the subcellular components and their centrifugal isolation, some general principles of microscopy, selected physical and physicochemical methods, applications of enzyme histochemistry to electron microscopy, and structure and physical properties of the plasma membrane. The remaining chapters focus on the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, the nucleus and its role in cell metabolism, RNA synthesis and movement, the behavior of viruses within cells, and pathological changes in cells. The book concludes with a chapter on the function and metabolism of cancer cells. This book is highly recommended to cytologists, investigators in the field of pathology, and graduate students in biology, biochemistry, physiology, and anatomy.