Peter Basser, Chief, Tissue Biophysics and Biomimetics, National Institutes of Health
"Full of deep physical insights into biological structure / function relationships. I found it refreshingly iconoclastic, sensible, and believable."
Erwin Vogler, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Penn State University
"I was completely sucked in upon reading the first page. This is such great stuff."--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
H. Ishiwatari, Dean, Grad School Health Sciences, Suzuka University, Japan
"Cells and Gels reads like a detective story. I could not stop reading until the plot resolved." --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Richard J. Schmidt, J. Pharmacy and Pharmacology 55: 857-858, 2003.
compelling…monumental piece of work…need to look for volunteers to rewrite the standard undergraduate biochemistry/cell biology textbooks.--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Thomas Stossel, Science 293 (5530), 611, 2001.
an eloquent and accessible statement of a heresy that has smoldered at the fringe of orthodox biology for 30 years.--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Dierdre Coombe, Immunology and Cell Biology 80, 506, 2002.
fascinating and extraordinary book. As a focus for discussion and for the exploration of fresh ideas, it is a powerhouse.--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Hirohisa Tamagawa, Biochem Eng. Journal. 10: 155 2002.
Illuminates the darkness all around. Once I started reading it, it captured and has never released my mind.--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Kinam Park, Pharm. Research 18:1804-1805.
starts with basic information so that readers without proper background can easily follow…. incredibly easy to read.--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Book Description
This book describes how cells work. It challenges the current wisdom of cell function, and presents a new, simpler approach to fundamental processes such as movement, transport, division, and communication, based on sound physical principles. The book is profusely illustrated with many color figures. It is written for the non-expert in an accessible, often humorous style.
Book Info
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.
About the Author
Dr. Gerald Pollack is a world leader in the area of muscle contraction and cell motility. He is currently Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Washington. His previous book, "Muscles and Molecules: Uncovering the Principles of Biological Motion" was recipient of an "Excellence Award" from the Society for Technical Communiction. Rating 4.5
Changed My View of ScienceDuring my senior year of bioengineering at ASU, one of my instructors recommended that I read this book. I went on Amazon and purchased a copy. Tragically, I let it sit on my shelf for almost six months without reading it. About a year ago, I picked it up and read it, expecting it to be a labor-intensive read. It was not. Instead, in very simple terms and using simple yet convincing examples, Pollack managed to challenge everything I ever learned in school in two days (It only took two days because I found myself reading this book every chance I got; I coult not put it down).Challenging even many of the basic tenets of cellular biology-- from even the existance of selective ion channels in the fluid mosaic model of the cell wall to blowing the lid off of what every student is taught in school about the way muscle cells contract--Pollack writes a book that has been and will continue to be challenging, because it challenges the premises of the life-long work of many scientists. While I'm sure that some of his critiques of the beliefs of the faith of cellular biology today will prove to be wrong, Pollack is not afraid of the challenge or the community backlash against him. I applaud the work. I recommend it as required reading for just about everybody: the writing style makes it accessible for even high school students, but it is not too plebian to challenge even a professor or researcher in the area.
-Jacob A Must ReadPollack's book is extremely insightful, although sometimes controversial. It looks at cell biology from a unique viewpoint. After reading this book, I have re-evaluated many established concepts in cell biology with new understanding and perspective. This is a must read for any serious student or researcher in the field of cell biology. I highly recommend this book.a good bookI like this book very much. I wish I had this book as supplement reading when I took my cell biology. This book provides an alternative view and provokes many questions in modern cell biology. I highly recommend this book to senior undergraduate students and graduate students |
