Cells are Life

All organisms on earth are composed of cells. They come in many shapes and sizes and are involved in a wide range of activities. Cells are the smallest structures that can divide independently (reproduce) and are therefore the smallest structures to be alive. This book considers the structure and function of plant and animal cells, with an emphasis on plant cells.

Cells contain many organelles that interact to allow function. For example, plant cells (unlike animal cells) contain chloroplasts that enable them to take energy from the sun to be used for growth and development. They manufacture energy-rich sugars that are sent to the mitochondria, where the energy is removed as ATP that can be used to do work in the cell. Meanwhile, animals depend upon plants for their energy source.

Cells are Life provides answers to better understand the plant life all around us. Do plant cells have muscles? Why should children not eat the leaves of the common house plant, Dieffenbachia? Is it true that structures inside plant and animal cells move using tiny motors? Why do animal cells need a skeleton and plant cells don't? Is it true that rubber comes from a specialized plant cell?

Arming readers with this deeper understanding, Cells are Life then addresses controversial topics, such as genetic engineering, cloning, and the nature of stem cells.