Acknowledgements vi Preface x Section I. Toward Ground Truth This section deals with generally accepted views of cell biology. By peeling back layers of assumption, it attempts to get at the core of truth. In the end, an unorthodox conclusion is drawn about the nature of the cell 1(2) Debunking Myths 3(22) The Croak of the Dying Cell 25(14) Cytoplasmic Discomfort 39(14) Section II. Building From Basics This section pursues elementary cell function, with emphasis on water and protein surfaces. We see how the interaction of these two elements gives rise to ion partitioning, cell potential, and several other of the most basic features of cell physiology in ways that differ from current views 51(2) Water 53(24) Solutes 77(10) Ions 87(12) Cell Potentials 99(14) Section III. An Hypothesis for Cell Function Building on previous chapters, this section advances the hypothesis that cell function resembles gel function. It examines the role of the phase-transition in gels, and considers the potential for a similar role in cells 111(2) Phase Transition: A Mechanism for Action 113(20) Section IV. Approaching Cell Dynamics This section pursues details of active cell function. Building on previous chapters, it explores the possibility that diverse cellular actions are mediated by a common mechanism-the phase-transition 131(2) Secretion 133(12) The Action Potential 145(18) Transport 163(22) Transport with Flair 185(22) Cell Division 207(18) Muscle Contraction 225(26) Section V. Tying Loose Ends This section considers issues common to the preceding chapters. It begins with cellular evolution and energetics, and then moves on to explore the underlying themes that integrate the material of the book 249(2) Energy 251(16) A New Paradigm for Cell Function 267(18) References 285(14) Index 299