by David S. Goodsell
The Machinery of Life by David S. Goodsell Overview
The Machinery of Life is a journey into the sub-microscopic world of molecular machines. Readers are introduced to the types of molecules built by cells, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and polysaccharides; then, in a series of full-color "watercolor" illustrations, which show a portion of a living cell magnified by 1,000,000 times, the reader is guided through the interior world of cells. The book explores the ways in which molecules work in concert to perform the processes of living, and how vitamins, viruses, poisons, and drugs each have their effects on the molecules in our bodies. The book is a fascinating introduction to biochemistry for the non-specialist, and combines a lucid text with an abundance of drawings and computer graphics that present the world of cells and their components in a truly unique way. This new edition has been updated to include the many major advances of the past decade, and is richly illustrated in full color throughout.
The Machinery of Life by David S. Goodsell Review
I was in school back when all that students knew about DNA was four chemicals and what we knew about an archetypal cell could be drawn on a single sheet of homework paper. This book is bringing me into the twenty-first century with ease. It is extremely clearly written although it deals with unbelievably complicated goings-on at the molecular/cell level. Every page seems to contain an "aha so that's how it works" or "aha then it really boils down to ..." moment. I'm having a ball with it. I bought it for my daughter, who works in a genetics lab, and after glancing through it I bought another copy for us parents. I'll probably buy another for my programmer cubical-mate where I work.
The illustrations get the most attention but, truthfully, they just serve as quick illustrations of what the text is saying in detail. Probably some readers can "read" the illustrations but IMHO it isn't necessary to examine them.
It has been a long time since I've bought multiple copies of a book, let alone a science book, and I really feel this one is a bargain at ten times the price for people who want to educate themselves.
The illustrations get the most attention but, truthfully, they just serve as quick illustrations of what the text is saying in detail. Probably some readers can "read" the illustrations but IMHO it isn't necessary to examine them.
It has been a long time since I've bought multiple copies of a book, let alone a science book, and I really feel this one is a bargain at ten times the price for people who want to educate themselves.
