The Penguin Dictionary of Biology: Eleventh Edition

The question was: what (or whatever) maintains the resting membrane potential nowadays! I always thought that it was the sodium pump (or Na K ATPase etc.). Recently, I heard: No, it is not the sodium pump that maintains the resting potential. So I checked both the Oxford and the Penguin Dictionaries of Biology. Oxford says that the resting potential is maintained by the sodium pump; however, the Penguin says it is the leaky potassium channels, and sodium pump plays a slight role. Well, it is one of those academic debates, it would seem--which really mean nothing--because nothing is at stake! The debate is from confusing maintenance, recovery, and repair--perhaps. Is it the resting potential (a thing being maintained) or is it the repolarization after a depolarization (a thing in recovery) that we are talking about? Is maintenance still maintenance if you spend energy in extruding the smaller atoms out--well: a running car can be maintained only by spending money? Perhaps, after all, it is only the usual confusion of the frogs in a well: they can only see the stars in their own horizons. The whole biological process has several components, and to know which is the one--well, just take one out and see if the process holds and functions. Which brick is the most important in a wall? Clearly, the truth is never simple, and possibly there is no such thing as the truth. Things evolve using all of the components--and are what they are. So, I guess it is always the context and it is always relative: point of view etc. There is no simple correct answer because the question is incorrectly formulated--without the necessary context. What is more important in the running of a car: the engine or the gas? So get both the Oxford and Penguin--they complement, and both are useful when viewed and understood in the right context: neither can replace the textbook; and no textbook replaces all the source materials--but you need to start somewhere. For a rich fantasy life read Ayul Zamir's Intern Beth. Now, whatever maintains that resting membrane potential!

I found this book to be a great reference in conjuction with a good textbook like Campbell's Biology. This dictionary helped me look up difficult concepts that were not always explained that well in my biology college classes. If you want a great resource for knowing the type of questions asked on college biology tests, get The Ultimate Study Guide for Biology: Key Review Questions and Answers with Explanations (Topics:Organization of Living Things & Chemistry of Life, Structure and Function of The Cell and Energy Pathways, Reproduction and Heredity, Genetics) Vol 1 by Patrick Leonardi The Ultimate Study Guide for Biology: Key Review Questions and Answers with Explanations (Topics: Evolution, Ecology, Kingdom Bacteria, Kingdom Protista, Kingdom Fungi, Viruses, Plant Form and Function.) Vol 2 The Ultimate Study Guide for Biology: Key Review Questions and Answers with Explanations (Topics: Kingdom Animalia, Organization of the Animal Body, Animal Form and Function, Animal Reproduction, Development and Behavior) Vol 3 Penguin's dictionary, Campbell's Biology, and Leonardi's study guides helped me and my study group get excellent grades.

I majored in biology and work in a lab, and I use this book quite frequently. Not all of us remember every single thing from school, and this book is perfect for a quick reminder of terminology and processes. It covers a great deal of common and uncommon topics, and provides great illustrations for some of the central concepts of life science. I recommend this book for anyone working in, studying, or interested in biology. It is much quicker than trying to go through your old notes or textbooks!

I am not a scientist which is precisely why I love this book. I can look up practically any biological term and get an understandable yet complete and intelligent definition. I am amazed at how comprehensive this book is. Every possible term that I can think of seems to be included from "Aberrant chromosome behaviour" to "Zymogen." But, this book goes beyond the beautifully crafted definitions, it has wonderfully detailed drawings. I am so impressed that I don't know any literate person who would not benefit from having this reference on his or her shelf; even a biologist would be able to refresh on terminology. Great for students too! GREAT FOR EVERYONE!