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| | Description | 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. | |
| | Product Details | | Author: | David S. Goodsell | | Hardcover: | 177 pages | | Publisher: | Springer | | Publication Date: | April 28, 2009 | | Language: | English | | ISBN: | 0387849246 | | Product Length: | 9.3 inches | | Product Width: | 6.2 inches | | Product Height: | 0.7 inches | | Product Weight: | 0.9 pounds | | Package Length: | 9.45 inches | | Package Width: | 6.3 inches | | Package Height: | 0.67 inches | | Package Weight: | 0.9 pounds | | Average Customer Rating: |  based on 23 reviews |
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| | Customer Reviews | Average Customer Review: ( 23 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
28 of 28 found the following review helpful:
 Best Biology Book ever May 22, 2009
By Jonathan Huntoon
The Machinery of Life is the best book on molecular biology I have ever read. If you have ever looked into a microscope and saw a blob an wanted to see further into that blob this is the book for you. Microscopes can only go so far. This book goes all the way down to the atom then back up to the small molecule then big molecule, then macro molecule, then even a near atomic understanding of a cell. The tone is clear and the grand architecture of the cell's machinery is masterfully explained as well as illustrated. I bought two copies. One for me and one to give to friends. This is a great book to give to your parents or grandparents who want to know what you do at work if your work in molecular/cellular biology or even immunology.
18 of 18 found the following review helpful:
Student reviews from Wake Forest Freshman Seminar Oct 14, 2009
By Jed Macosko
David Goodsell's Machinery of Life, is by far the best introduction to molecular Biology that I have ever come across. This book approaches the daunting and at times intimidating subject of molecular biology with simplicity and eloquence. Life inside a cell is so small and hectic that most of the time it is near impossible to fully comprehend what is occurring, but Goodsell's use of images make cellular life much easier to understand. As reviewers have mentioned above the illustrations in this book are what makes it a truly magical read. The illustrations are so powerful and engaging that they help the reader take knowledge of cell and transform it into a true overall understanding of the happenings within a cell. Whether it be simple pictures of protein folding, or a more involved look at the way in which DNA winds itself within the cell, it is clear that after seeing the pictures ones understanding is significantly enhanced. In addition, Goodsell uses very simple writing in his descriptions, and provides many examples. Because of this he does a truly great job in not losing the reader in a topic which can become very dense and difficult to grasp. In all, this book is really great, if you want to know about molecular biology or just know more about it this book is for you.
15 of 16 found the following review helpful:
The visual aspect of The Machinery of Life (2nd Edition) Jun 27, 2009
By Yan Liang
"L2XY2"
The Machinery of Life (2nd Edition) is an excellent introduction to molecular biology. The book uses concise text and beautiful illustrations to reveal the mechanisms of the molecular machines in every life, making you wonder at the achievements of these invisible molecules.
The unique features of this book are the watercolor paintings that display the cellular interiors with all the molecular machines presented with scientific rigor. These paintings can be seen as the "snapshots" of the cell at high magnification (1,000,000X). The author carefully chose the composition so that the desired molecular machines and the relationship between them are clearly revealed. Some paintings are more than snapshots: they are smartly designed to show certain processes occurring in the cell, such as the death of a cell and the life cycle of a virus. These paintings can be thought as movie frames that are seamlessly fused together.
Besides these paintings, space-filling computer renderings are used to illustrate the detailed structures and functions of the molecular machines. Two kind of styles are used. One is the unique style used by the author for the Molecule of the Month series at Protein Data Bank (PDB). Molecules rendered with this style has a hand-drawing appearance, and blend seamless with the watercolor paintings. The other style is commonly used by scientists to illustrate the atomic structures and interactions of small molecules. Personally I think these renderings are too computer-like, and do not fit in very well with other illustrations. But this is a very minor complaint.
Dr. Goodsell is a master of using color to present scientific images. The colors are chosen so well that on the one hand the information is clearly communicated, and on the other hand the illustration are pleasant to eyes.
Overall, this is a wonderful book. I have been a fan for Dr. Goodsell for a long time, collecting many of his articles and drawings. And this book certainly makes me happy because of its interesting contents, beautiful illustrations, and affordable price. Anyone who is interested in the molecular biology or the visual presentation of biomolecules should read this book.
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
Useful, readable, and elegant! May 13, 2011
By A. Berke
"chemist"
I will start with the punch line: this is a spectacular book! I stumbled across it as I was looking for a basic (read: useful, but not overwhelming) introduction to cells and their biology/biochemistry. I was not disappointed. Goodsell has managed to both convey the elegance and the complexity with which cells operate, and do so in a way that leaves one craving more information. The strength of this book is easily its readability (clear language and meaningful pictures).
All of the chapters are interesting and enjoyable, but three of them stood out to me in particular. Chapters 6, 7, and 8 (The Human Body, Life and Death, and Viruses, respectively) were my favorites. I now have a much richer appreciation for the intricate dance those cells perform to cause that motion. I also understand better the amazing repair and defense mechanisms my body employs, as well as the need for that nimble defense (bacteria and viruses are crafty organisms!). And seeing muscle cells, viruses, and repair proteins "in action" is sure to leave a lasting impression.
My only complaint is that the letter designations in most of the pictures are too small and do not stand out. I had a bit of trouble finding several of them in some of the busier pictures. I am sure that if I had a more significant background in biology, I would have had an easier time recognizing pieces called out in the figure captions, but the extra time spent searching the beautiful pictures was by no means wasted!
(this review is for the corrected, second edition - the one from 2010)
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 The Machinery of Life Sep 18, 2011
By Tia Long
If you are looking for a book that will help you understand molecular biology, David Goodsell's The Machinery of Life, is the book for you. This book uses detailed and clear images to illustrate what goes on inside a cell. These images also include great captions to explain the process that is being depicted. In addition to the wonderful images, Goodsell's use of analogies, simple terms, and in depth explanations make The Machinery of Life a book that could easily be read by beginners in the Biology department. Once you pick up this book, you will not be able to put it down because the pictures are very captivating, as well as the narration.
See all 23 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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