Biology 2e is designed to cover the scope and sequence requirements of a typical two-semester biology course for science majors. The text provides comprehensive coverage of foundational research and core biology concepts through an evolutionary lens. Biology includes rich features that engage students in scientific inquiry, highlight careers in the biological sciences, and offer everyday applications. The book also includes various types of practice and homework questions that help students understand—and apply—key concepts. The 2nd edition has been revised to incorporate clearer, more current, and more dynamic explanations, while maintaining the same organization as the first edition. Art and illustrations have been substantially improved, and the textbook features additional assessments and related resources.

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Describe the basic structure of a typical prokaryote
Describe important differences in structure between Archaea and Bacteria

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Describe the structure of eukaryotic cells
Compare animal cells with plant cells
State the role of the plasma membrane
Summarize the functions of the major cell organelles

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Describe the cytoskeleton
Compare the roles of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules
Compare and contrast cilia and flagella
Summarize the differences among the components of prokaryotic cells, animal cells, and plant cells

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Understand how electrochemical gradients affect ions
Distinguish between primary active transport and secondary active transport

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Describe endocytosis, including phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis
Understand the process of exocytosis

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Understand the cell membrane fluid mosaic model
Describe phospholipid, protein, and carbohydrate functions in membranes
Discuss membrane fluidity

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Explain why and how passive transport occurs
Understand the osmosis and diffusion processes
Define tonicity and its relevance to passive transport

Covers the common shapes and features of prokaryotic cells.

A free CK-12 account is required to view all materials.

This is a thorough site which contains a glossary of plant/animal cell anatomy terms. Diagrams of both cells are included along with worksheets to label.

All cells have a barrier around them that separates them from the environment and from other cells. This barrier is called the plasma membrane, or cell membrane. Learn more about the cell membrane in this learning module produced by CK-12.

A free CK-12 account is required to view all materials.

Cells are found in all different types of environments, and these environments are constantly changing. For example, one-celled organisms, like bacteria, can be found on your skin, in the ground, or in all different types of water. Therefore, cells need a way to protect themselves. This job is done by the cell membrane, which is also known as the plasma membrane. Learn more about cell transport in this learning module produced by CK-12.

A free CK-12 account is required to view all materials.

This animation describes the structure of a prokaryotic cell and how it is altered to allow binary fission to occur.