The Stuff of Life: Profiles of the Molecules That Make Us Tick

by Eric P. Widmaier

Book Overview

In The Stuff of Life , Eric P. Widmaier deconstructs the fundamental processes of the human body and focuses on those vital biological substances that aren't particularly well understood. By examining... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805074376
• ISBN13: 9780805074376
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Holt McDougal
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

An excellent intro to microbiology for non-scientist

I couldn't resist, I've read the whole book sitting on the floor of the bookstore that was selling it. I've bought it anyway, because it's worth every penny! It's a very concise reference, where a lot of complicated biochemical processes are explained with breathtaking simplicity. The most up-to-date issue for non professionals I've ever seen in a bookstore. Two thumbs up to the author! I gave it five stars, but it rather deserves "five plus." Highly recommended for everyone interested in Biology.

Putting DNA and the proteins they make understandable

As a non-scientist, I like reading about the discoveries of the Genone and wonder how this new map will impact my life. For the most part, Eric Windmaire writes in a very understandable way that helped me put it together a little more. He explains how the DNA strands un-wrap to allow different proteins to then interact in a multitude of ways. He goes over the most common proteins and how they help regulate salt and water balance (for readers taking ACE inhibitors), the regulation of energy to the cells (which would help diabetic readers better understand why insulin is so important), brain chemistry regulations (for readers who are dealing with depression or other meds), oxygen regulation, muscle movement and nueorologic symptoms.He covers a lot of stuff in a fairly readable manner. As a visual reader, I thought that the book would have been even better if they had more illustrations of some of the dynamic processes. Most illustrations were chemical in nature, but the explanation of muscle contraction was one I am having a hard time visualizing and needed an illustration.His editors should have recommended better illustrations and more of them. As somebody who also doesn't have a chemistry background, his explanations of the chemistry were very helpfull. Sometimes, though, I didn't understand his "obvious" comments -- they went over my head.If you want to understand hyper-tension, diabetes, cardiac disease, hormonal influence, mental medications, thyroid influences, and many genetically problems -- read this book.But come on, Eric, you're a great word-smith, give us some eye candy. Protein understanding is our future, with Genone as the first map. Work with us non-scientist.I also recommend Genone by Matt Ridley.