Includes index.

1. The science of biology -- Unit I: Principles of cellular life -- 2. Life's chemical basis -- 3. Molecules of life -- 4. Cell structure -- 5. Ground rules of metabolism -- 6. Where it starts Photosynthesis -- 7. Releasing chemical energy -- Unit II: Genetics -- 8. DNA Structure and function -- 9. From DNA to protein -- 10. Control of gene expression -- 11. How cells reproduce -- 12. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction -- 13. Patterns in Inherited Traits -- 14. Human inheritance -- 15. Biotechnology -- Unit III: Principles of evolution -- 16. Evidence of evolution -- 17. Processes of evolution -- 18. Life's origin and early evolution -- Unit IV: Evolution and Biodiversity -- 19. Viruses, bacteria, and archaea -- 20. The protists -- 21. Plant evolution -- 22. Fungi -- 23. Animals I: major invertebrate groups -- 24. animals II: the chordates -- Unit V. How plants work -- 25. Plant tissues -- 26. Plant nutrition and transport -- 27. Plant reproduction and development -- Unit VI. How animals work -- 28. Animal tissues and organ systems -- 29. Neural control -- 30. Sensory perception -- 31. Endocrine control -- 32. Structural support and movement -- 33. Circulation -- 34. Immunity -- 35. Respiration -- 36. Digestion and human nutrition -- 37. Maintaining internal environment -- 38. Reproduction and development -- Unit VII: Principles of ecology -- 39. Animal behavior -- 40. Population ecology -- 41. Community ecology -- 42. Ecosystems -- 43. The biosphere -- 44. Human effects on the biosphere -- Appendix I: Periodic table of the elements -- Appendix II: Amino acids -- Appendix III: A closer look at some major metabolic Pathways.Appendix IV: A Plain English Map of the Human Chromosomes.Appendix V: Restless Earth-Life's changing geologic stage -- Appendix VI: Units of measure -- Appendix VII: Answers to self-quizzes and genetics problems.