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PREFACE

At the end of XX century biology is a very well-developed science. The
information flux in this field of human knowledge has attained such
dimensions that it is hard to encompass, systematize and analyze it even
by the help of modern computer systems. The links among the numerous
biological branches have been considerably weakened regarding the
general biological problems as a result from the narrow specialization of
studies which sometimes leads to erroneous conclusions and concepts.
The idea to write a book giving a generalized notion of the great
achievements and unclarified problems in biology related to the conditions and
prerequisites for the origination of living matter, the formation of the cell as a
biological unit, its chemical and organization structure, various functions,
modes and mechanisms of self-reproduction, heredity and variability, its
participation in the building of the multicellular organisms, cloning, etc. has not
abandoned me for more than a decade. It lay for a long time buried deep in my
consciousness unrealized because of the risks and difficulties its practical
realization poses, since a lot of the treated problems are still not clarified to the
full and have caused “exacerbated” debates.
The book comprises 4 chapters. The problems treated in them are laid
out and considered (as much as it is possible) in an evolutionary and
historical aspect corresponding to their natural development and their study
by man.
Chapter 1 is devoted to the origin and evolution of the cell which has
consolidated itself as a mode and form for the survival of the living matter
already arisen. Such issues as its transfer from space (the ,,panspermia”
hypothesis), the attempts for abiogenic synthesis of organic compounds in
laboratory conditions, the more significant findings of fossils of unicellular
organisms in earth layers and finally the question of whether we are alone
in the Universe are treated in this chapter.
Chapter 2 considers the cell as the basic structural and functional
biological unit. It starts from its discovery by man, the initial and latest
concepts for its essence, structure and functions. Special attention is paid
to the major building compounds of the cells — proteins (polypeptides),
nucleic acids (polynucleotides) and carbohydrates (polysaccharides), the
transfer of heredity in the offspring, cell organelles, mutation changes and
the endosymbiotic organization of the eukaryotic cells.
Chapter 3 treats the discovery, biological essence, modes and types
of cell division, i.e. self-reproduction of the cells. A major role in this
process is played by the nucleus or its equivalent (the nucleoid), and also
by the division spindle which is the phenomenon making the difference
between the eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. The problems of biological
aging and neoplasms are not bypassed.