2025: A FOUNDATION TEXT IN CELL BIOLOGY

This Book is intended for students who wish to understand the Basic Cell Physiology in relations to Cell structures, Processes, Functions and Development. The study of Cell Biology is essential for this purpose, but it would be almost impossible for a student to survey on his own the massive body of existing knowledge, constantly augmented by a remarkable torrent of brilliant discoveries and findings by scientists. The purpose of the Book “A Foundation text in Cell Biology”, then, is to update and organize our knowledge into something that can be comprehended in a relatively short time and still convey a reasonably complete picture of the Basic Physiology, structure and functions of
living cells, tissues, organs and organs systems. A Foundation Text in Cell Biology encompasses basic cell structures and cellular functions including: Cell composition, Cell growth, Cell division, Cell cycle and Cell transport. Elaboration of Cell structure has significantly aided understanding the structure of organisms in relation to functions. The book also contains guidelines for Students' Practical Activities and Tutor Marked Assessment Questions. Therefore, it is designed not only to give instruction in Tutorial form but also to provide a ready means of Self assessment. It is intended primarily for students of Biology, Botany, Biochemistry, Developmental Biology, Agriculture, Genetics, Microbiology, and Biotechnology at higher levels of education, but it should also prove useful to foundation students of Medical and Laboratory Sciences as well as candidates for Diploma and College Examinations. The contents follow the conventional arrangement of most courses and have been divided into Fifteen Chapters for ease of reference. Chapters One and Two are essentially introductory, covering aspects of (i) Chemical Constituents of Cell and Organic Molecules; (ii) Cell Discovery, Development and Levels of Organization. While, Chapters Three to Five outline the (iii) Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells, (iv) Protozoa, Algae and
Fungi Cells; and (v) Viruses: Discovery, Structure and General Properties. The focus in Chapters Six to Eight is on (vi) Ultrastructure in Eukaryotic Plant and Animal Cells; (vii) Enzyme Activities and Reactions in Cells; and (viii) The Nucleic Acids, Proteins and Storage of Genetic Information in Cells. Whereas, Chapters Nine to Twelve deliberates on (ix) Cell Cycle and Cell Division; (x) Diversity in Plant and Animal Cells; (xi) Movement of Materials across Cell; (xii) Cell Growth, Differentiation and Specialization. While Chapters Thirteen to Fifteen considers (xiii) Photosynthesis; (xiv) Respiration in Living Organisms; and (xv) Cell Microscopy, Cytological Techniques and Reporting of Laboratory experiments. Keeping the subject within bounds has involved some sacrifices. The subject is paramount,  and the authors' interest is secondary. I hope the “A Foundation text in Cell Biology” serves its purpose well, but it clearly would have had much less chance of doing so without the intensive collaboration of Dr Samuel R. Osu, Dr Godwin Evans Udofia, Dr Aniefon Alphonsus Ibuot, Dr Aniefiokmkpong Okokon Okon, Dr Christiana Ofonime Edet Umoh, Dr Inemesit Ndarake Bassey, Dr Samuel Eguom Osim,Dr Joseph Etim Okon, Dr Ofonmbuk Samuel Aderi, Dr Esther Etop Ekon, Dr Nsimeneabasi Michael Udoh, Dr Emem Okon Mbong and Mayen Godwin Ben, all skilled biologists and great Teachers with the desire to share their joy upon learning new things. I commend them for their steadfastness and guts. This publication has been produced as part of the authors' long-term research plan and desire to promote the study of Cell Biology and related courses.