Step by step series (Glencoe/McGraw-Hill)

"Learn biology skills in quick-and easy steps. Achieve biology mastery with clear explanations and guided exercises. Gain confidence in your skills even if you are a beginner"--Cover

The study of life. A thematic perspective on biology ; Levels of biological organization (for all organisms) ; Levels of biological organization (for multicellular organisms) ; The six characteristics of life ; The scientific method -- The chemistry of life. Basic chemistry ; Carbon chemistry ; Organic macromolecules -- Cell structures and functions. Cell diversity ; The prokaryotic cell ; The eukaryotic cell -- Cell homeostasis and metabolism. Cell homeostasis ; Photosynthetic metabolism ; Cellular respiration metabolism -- Cell cycle and cell division. The cell cycle ; Mitosis : nuclear division -- Heredity : meiosis and Mendelian genetics. Meiosis : production of gametes ; Mendelian genetics -- DNA and the genetic code. The structure of DNA ; The central dogma of molecular biology ; DNA replication ; Protein synthesis -- Human genetics and biotechnologies. The human genome ; Other complex patterns of human inheritance ; DNA fingerprinting -- The origins of life on Earth. Early experiments in the origins of life ; From an inorganic world to cellular life ; Early events of evolutionary history -- Evolution and adaptation of life. Evolution by means of natural selection ; Evidence for evolutionary theory ; From microevolution to macroevolution -- Classification of life. Eight levels of taxonomy ; Six kingdoms of life -- Microbes : viruses and bacteria. Viruses as nonlife ; Bacterial biodiversity -- Protists and fungi. Protist biodiversity ; Fungus biodiversity -- Plants and animals. Plant biodiversity ; Invertebrate biodiversity ; Vertebrate biodiversity -- Plant structure and function. Plant physiology ; Plant characteristics -- Animals and the organ systems. Animal organization ; Animal physiology : organ systems -- Populations and communities. Ecological levels of organization ; Populations and intraspecific interactions ; Communities and interspecific interactions -- Ecosystems and biomes. Ecosystems ; Terrestrial and aquatic biomes

This book gives a clear explanation of biology that breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-understand steps that, with the aid of helpful graphics, will enable you to grasp biology essentials. Rules and concepts are explained in detail in everyday English, then reinforced by annotated examples and focused exercises that build understanding for work in class and make review for tests and exams more effective

Includes index