Three years have elapsed since the publication of the first edition of this book (in German). The continued interest of our readers and the rapid progress of our knowl edge in many fields necessitates a thoroughly revised and somewhat enlarged new edition. Cell differentiation is a prerequisite of life. It is defined as the prooess leading to the qualitatively and quantitatively selective realization of distinct parts of a given genetic material. Cell differentiation comprises five main aspects: (1) signal reception and transformation, (2) selective rearrangements of the genetic material, (3) differen tial gene expression, (4) organization of gene expression programs and (5) intercellular coordination of cell differentiation within the developmental programs of multicellular organisms. Despite the bewildering multiplicity of its results, i.e., the differentiated phenotypes of cells, there are apparently fundamental similarities with respect to the molecular mechanisms of the process itself. These mechanisms constitute the central subject of this book.

Introductory Part

1. Biochemistry of Gene Expression
2. Restriction Enzymes and Techniques for Gene Analysis and Synthesis
General Part
3. "Sonderung", Differentiation, Cell Differentiation - a Sketch of the History of Concepts
4. Molecular Basis of Cell Differentiation
Special Part
5. Regulation of Adaptive Enzyme Synthesis in Prokaryotes Exemplified by the Arabinose Regulon of Escherichia coli
6. Light-induced Chloroplast Differentiation
7. The Action of Estrogen on Gene Expression in Chick Oviduct
8. Insulin-Biosynthesis and Mode of Action
9. Polytene Chromosomes - Model Objects for Studying Differential Gene Activities in Specialized Cells
10. Expression of Isozymes and Their Function in Differentiation
11. The Expression of Secondary Metabolism - an Aspect of Cell Specialization
12. Biosynthesis and Accumulation of Storage Proteins in Developing Plant Seeds
13. Determination and Function of the Immune System
14. Phage Coded Programs of Gene Expression in Escherichia coli
15. Programmed Gene Expression During Cell Division Cycles
16. Control of Morphogenesis in Acetabularia
17. Differentiation and Development of Dictyostelium discoideum
18. Cell Differentiation and Tumorigenesis - Plant Crown Gall Tumors
19. Aberrations in the Regulation of Cell Division and Differentiation as a Cause of Malignant Tumors
20. Subject Index.