The Ultrastructure of the Animal Cell

The Ultrastructure of the Animal Cell examines the ultrastructure of the animal cell, with emphasis on the chemical, biochemical, and physiological aspects of the cell. Discussions are organized around the interphase cell and cell division and cover topics ranging from the general structure and molecular models of cell membranes to the ultrastructure of the nucleus and the cytosome. Changes in cell ultrastructure during embryogenesis, differentiation, and secretion are also considered. This monograph is divided into nine chapters and opens with an introduction to the principles and techniques of electron microscopy. The next section is about the interphase cell and first presents an overview of the animal cell before proceeding with an analysis of the ultrastructure of the nucleus and the cytosome, paying particular attention to the plasma membrane and associated structures; the hyaloplasm; endoplasmic reticulum; the Golgi complex; and mitochondria. The changes that occur in the ultrastructure of the cell during embryogenesis, differentiation, and secretion are also described. The last section focuses on cell division and the ultrastructure of the dividing cell. This text will be a useful resource for cell biologists, biochemists, and physiologists, as well as students and teachers of biology, biochemistry, and physiology.