Ultrastructure, Macromolecules, and Evolution

Thus far in the history of biology, two, and only two, fundamental principles have come to light that pervade and unify the entire science-the cell theory and the concept of evolution. While it is true that recently opened fields of inves- tigation have given rise to several generalizations of wide impact, such as the universality of DNA and the energetic dynamics of ecology, closer inspection reveals them to be part and parcel of either of the first two mentioned. Because in the final analysis energy can act upon an organism solely at the cellular level, its effects may be perceived basically to represent one facet of cell me- tabolism. Similarly, because the DNA theory centers upon the means by which cells build proteins and reproduce themselves, it too proves to be only one more, even though an exciting, aspect of the cell theory. In fact, if the matter is given closer scrutiny, evolution itself can be viewed as being a fundamental portion of the cell concept, for its effects arise only as a consequence of changes in the cell's genetic apparatus accumulating over geological time. Or, if one wishes, the diametrically opposite standpoint may be taken. For, if current concepts of the origin of life hold any validity, the evolution of precellular organisms from the primordial biochemicals must have proceeded over many eons of time prior to the advent of even the most primitive cell.

Table of Contents:
1. Biological Membranes.- 1.1. Membranes in General.- 1.2. The Plasma Membrane (Plasmalemma).- 1.3. The Nuclear nvelope.- 1.4. Biogenesis of Membranes.- 2. Microtubules And Microfilaments.- 2.1. Microtubules.- 2.2. Microfilamentous Structures.- 3. Cell Motility: I. Cytoplasmic Movements.- 3.1. Amoeboid Movement.- 3.2. Microvilli and Related Cellular Projections.- 3.3. Cytoplasmic Streaming.- 4. Cell Motility: II. The Flagellum.- 4.1. The Flagellum.- 4.2. The Basis of Flagellar Activity.- 4.3. Development of Flagella.- 5. Cell Motility: III. The Basal Apparatus.- 5.1. The Centriole.- 5.2. Centriole-Associated Organelles.- 5.3. A Phylogeny of Flagellary Structures.- 6. Secretory Organelles: I. The Endomembrane System.- 6.1. The Endoreticulum (Endoplasmic Reticulum).- 6.2. The Golgi Apparatus.- 6.3. Functions and Enzymes of the Endomembrane System.- 7. Secretory Organelles: II. The Vesicular System.- 7.1. The Lysosome.- 7.2. The Peroxisome.- 7.3. Miscellaneous Bodies.- 7.4. The Endomembrane and Vesicular Systems in Retrospect.- 8. Energy-Oriented Organelles and Activities: I. Cell Respiration.- 8.1. Molecular Aspects of Cell Respiration.- 8.2. The Respiratory Chain.- 8.3. Comparative Aspects of Cellular Respiration.- 8.4. Evolution of the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle.- 9. Energy-Oriented Organelles and Activities: II. The Mitochondrion.- 9.1. Mitochondrial Structure.- 9.2. Molecular Organization of Mitochondria.- 9.3. DNA and Mitochondrial Replication.- 9.4. Mesosomes: Primitive Respiratory Organelles.- 9.5. Phylogenetic Origins of the Mitochondrion.- 10. Energy-Oriented Organelles and Activities: III. The Chloroplast and Photosynthesis.- 10.1. Energy-Related Processes.- 10.2 The Chloroplast.- 10.3. Replication of Chloroplasts.- 10.4. Phylogenetic Origins.- 11. Nuclear and Cell Division.- 11.1. Cytokinesis.- 11.2. Nuclear Division.- 11.3. Nucleoid Division in Prokaryotes.- 11.4. Some Pertinent Conclusions.- References.