"Biology occupies a position among the sciences at once marginal and central. Marginal because the living world constituting but a tiny and very 'special' part of the universe. It does not seem likely that the study of living beings will ever uncover general laws applicable outside the biosphere. But if the ultimate aim of the whole of science is indeed, as I believe, to clarify man's relationship to the universe, then biology must be accorded a central position." -Jacques Monod, winner of the 1965 Nobel Prize in Medicine

The enormous Coast Redwood is a living organism.

Life Science: Part 1 explores this close connection among the great diversity of living things. Organisms as varied as microscopic bacteria, towering redwood trees, and salt-marsh harvest mice share many of the same characteristics and inhabit the same biosphere.

The Beyond Books Program Life Science: Part 1 begins by answering the timeless question, What is life? It then explores the energy cycles and the basic building blocks of all matter (including living organisms): atoms and molecules.

But the basic building blocks of life are unique. The unit "The Cell: Down to Basics" takes readers on a breathtaking adventure into the wondrous world of these tiniest units of life. These first sections then provide the stepping stones that lead to more complex and fascinating topics, such as how the energizing processes of photosynthesis and respiration fuel growth and reproduction.

The crux of the program and, indeed, of life itself is found in the DNA and genetics unit areas, which explore the structures and processes that unite all life and simultaneously provide its tremendous diversity.

Life Science: Part 1 is full of "goodies," including many interactive components and special presentations that enliven as well as explain more complex topics. Focus 1a offers an in-depth look at the levels of organization within a coral reef biome. Use your newfound understanding of genetics to predict the results of tossing coins and crossing pea plants in unit 8. In unit 9, the sometimes complex steps in the process of passing on DNA are animated on several pages. Try your hand at classifying some new species of fish in the interactive dichotomous key on focus 10b. And clicking on any of the terms highlighted in yellow activates a talking dictionary feature (useful for words such as "archaebacteria").

Genetic research often creates ethical dilemmas.

The study of life science touches everyone. Recent advances in genetics have created powerful possibilities unheard of until now, such as curing disease and engineering enough food for a hungry world. But at what cost? Are we improving life for future generations or inviting disaster?

To grapple with the tremendous challenges and pressing issues ahead, and understanding of the science of life is critical. Let's embark on this important journey.

1. What Is Life?
   1. Organization of Living Things
   2. Metabolism
   3. Reproduction
   4. Growth and Development
   5. Response to Environment
   6. The Scientific Method: How We Know What We Know
2. Energy and Organisms
   1. Ecosystems = Organized Energy Exchange
   2. Why Are Organisms So Complex?
   3. Order Needs Energy
   4. Energy Transformations
3. It Starts With a Little Chemistry
   1. Atoms and Molecules
   2. Biochemical Reactions
   3. Carbohydrates and Lipids
   4. Proteins: Body-Building Molecules
   5. Nucleic Acids: The Genetic Code
4. The Cell: Down to Basics
   1. A Busy Factory
   2. The Plasma Membrane
   3. The Nucleus
   4. The Ribosomes and the ER
   5. The Golgi Apparatus
   6. Lysosomes and The Cytoskeleton
   7. Mitochondria and Chloroplasts
   8. Specialized Structures and Cells
   9. Cell-to-Cell Communication
5. Abiotic Factors
   1. Water
   2. Gas Exchange
   3. Environmental Conditions
   4. Nutrient Cycles
6. Energy for Life
   1. Chlorophyll
   2. Photosynthesis
   3. Respiration
   4. Comparing Photosynthesis and Respiration
7. Growth and Reproduction
   1. Chromosomes
   2. Asexual Reproduction: Send in the Clones
   3. The Cell Cycle: From Yeast to You
   4. Mitosis and Cytokinesis
   5. Sexual Reproduction: A New Pair of Genes
8. Genetics
   1. History of Genetics
   2. Mendel's Laws
   3. Beyond Mendel
   4. Human Genetics
9. DNA Upclose and Personal
   1. Cracking the Code of Life
   2. Passing on the Code
   3. Mutations: Changing the Code
   4. Genetic Disorders: A Molecular Approach
   5. DNA Forensics
10. Taxonomy
    1. Levels of Classification
    2. Dichotomous Keys
    3. The Six Kingdoms