Biology : The Unity and Diversity of Life

In this text, the authors use the important connection between molecular biology structure, function and evolution to encourage student understanding instead of memorization. For example, Chapter 1 includes a preview of life's unity and diversity with an evolutionary perspective. Similar sections in Chapters 3, 5 and 6 on the structure and function of enzymes and other molecules prepare students for chapters on cell structure and metabolism, genetics, evolution, anatomy and physiology. This background prepares students to understand the power of comparative molecular studies in clarifying evolutionary relationships. Connection essays (28 in all) focus on this new integration of molecular structure, function and evolution.