Cells, Gels and the Engines of Life: A New, Unifying Approach to Cell Function

by Pollack, Gerald H.

• ISBN13: 9780962689529
• ISBN10: 0962689521
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-03-01
• Publisher: Ebner & Sons

Summary

Univ. of Washington, Seattle. Challenges the current wisdom of how cells work. Emphasizes the gel-like nature of the cell, and builds on this feature to explore underlying mechanisms of communication, transport, contraction, division, and other essential cell functions. For those with little biology background. Softcover, hardcover also available.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	vi
Preface	x
Section I. Toward Ground Truth
This section deals with generally accepted views of cell biology. By peeling back layers of assumption, it attempts to get at the core of truth. In the end, an unorthodox conclusion is drawn about the nature of the cell	1	(2)
Debunking Myths	3	(22)
The Croak of the Dying Cell	25	(14)
Cytoplasmic Discomfort	39	(14)
Section II. Building From Basics
This section pursues elementary cell function, with emphasis on water and protein surfaces. We see how the interaction of these two elements gives rise to ion partitioning, cell potential, and several other of the most basic features of cell physiology in ways that differ from current views	51	(2)
Water	53	(24)
Solutes	77	(10)
Ions	87	(12)
Cell Potentials	99	(14)
Section III. An Hypothesis for Cell Function
Building on previous chapters, this section advances the hypothesis that cell function resembles gel function. It examines the role of the phase-transition in gels, and considers the potential for a similar role in cells	111	(2)
Phase Transition: A Mechanism for Action	113	(20)
Section IV. Approaching Cell Dynamics
This section pursues details of active cell function. Building on previous chapters, it explores the possibility that diverse cellular actions are mediated by a common mechanism-the phase-transition	131	(2)
Secretion	133	(12)
The Action Potential	145	(18)
Transport	163	(22)
Transport with Flair	185	(22)
Cell Division	207	(18)
Muscle Contraction	225	(26)
Section V. Tying Loose Ends
This section considers issues common to the preceding chapters. It begins with cellular evolution and energetics, and then moves on to explore the underlying themes that integrate the material of the book	249	(2)
Energy	251	(16)
A New Paradigm for Cell Function	267	(18)
References	285	(14)
Index	299