Preface

The twenty-first century is an era of rapid advancements in biological sciences, marked by continuous breakthroughs in knowledge and innovative methodologies. To support the effective learning and application of this specialized knowledge, and in response to the increasing demand for creativity and innovation in higher education, I have designed this book. It is my hope that it will meet the needs of students and researchers around the world, fostering scientific exchange and collaboration across borders. Drawing inspiration from a range of international references, this book is presented to you, the global community of learners, educators, and researchers.

Though I am physically distant from my homeland, Iran, my thoughts and efforts remain firmly anchored in its academic community. Despite being far from home, I have always kept a close eye on the developments within my country, eager to support its students and educators. Even from this distance, I continue to dedicate myself to advancing knowledge through my publications—over 250 articles in prestigious global journals, several books, and chapters in international volumes. It is my sincere hope that these contributions, however modest they may seem, can support and inspire the next generation of scholars and students, both in Iran and beyond.

In this book, efforts have been made to cover various topics such as modern biology, the use of new resources, and attention to new developments in the field of biology. As mentioned above, this book addresses aspects of writing research papers, submitting articles, searching for resources, and using scientific sources, somewhat tailored to the level of graduate students. This book can serve as a primary educational resource in universities for students in fields such as biology, animal sciences, veterinary medicine, and other related medical disciplines. It has also been designed to be a reference source for individuals working in fields like biology, agriculture, veterinary medicine, and other related areas.

This book is meticulously structured to appeal to students, educators, and biology enthusiasts. It provides a thorough exploration of fundamental and advanced concepts in four main sections. Each section includes several chapters, and each chapter comprises various chapters. At the end of the book, answers to exercises and a glossary are provided to support your learning further. This comprehensive text covers a variety of topics, including cell biology, genetics, animal biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biosystematics, principles and models of evolution, information science, and writing research papers.

Section One: Cell Biology - Structure, Function, and Division. In this section, I embark on a journey into the microscopic world of cells. Chapter 1 provides an in-depth understanding of cellular components and their functions, while Chapter Two explores the complex processes of mitosis and meiosis, shedding light on cellular reproduction.

Section Two: Foundations of Genetics - History and Molecular Basis. This section traces the evolution of genetic science. Chapter Three takes you from ancient theories to modern genetic insights, and Chapter Four unravels the chemical and structural foundations of genes, offering a molecular perspective on genetic inheritance.

Section Three: The Diversity of Life - Development, Ecology, and Evolution. Here, I explore the vast diversity of life forms. Chapter Five narrates the story of life's evolution, Chapter Six examines the crucial role of fungi, and Chapter Seven guides you through animal development from gamete production to fertilization. Chapter Eight and Chapter Nine discuss the evolutionary forces and ecological dynamics shaping species diversity and population ecology.

Section Four: Advances in Biological Research and Information Systems. This section highlights modern advancements in biology. Chapter Ten focuses on cancer systems biology, providing insights into the complexities of cancer research, and Chapter Eleven explores the evolution and prospects of the ISI Web of Knowledge platform, a crucial tool for modern biological research.

Section Five: Navigating the Academic Manuscript Journey. This section is an invaluable resource for aspiring scholars. Part A offers a detailed guide to creating effective tables and figures, discusses the art of crafting a compelling discussion section, and provides tips for developing an effective manuscript draft and selecting the right journal. Part B outlines guidelines for manuscript submission, includes a submission checklist, and offers strategies for promoting your publication. Parts C and D delve into language editing services, while Parts E to H cover comprehensive referencing guides and provide additional information on major research databases like Elsevier ScienceDirect, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Springer Link.

Section Six: Answers. This section provides answers and explanations for all chapters from sections One to Eleven, serving as a crucial resource for self-assessment and deeper understanding.

Section Seven: Appendix. The appendix offers additional resources and references. It breaks down the fundamental components of medical English, focusing on roots, prefixes, and suffixes.

Main Features of this Book:

• 1. Expanded Vocabulary and Specialized Terminology: Critical biological terms and concepts are highlighted in bold throughout the chapters, providing immediate recognition for students. These terms are further clarified in the "Vocabulary (Index of Terms)" section, located just before the exercises and reading questions, ensuring that students can easily look up definitions while engaging with the content. This approach makes it easier for students to grasp new vocabulary in context.
• 2. Development of Core Scientific Skills: This book not only focuses on delivering biological content but also prioritizes the development of essential academic skills. Throughout the chapters, students are encouraged to read specialized articles, search for scientific information, and write scientific papers. These practices are integrated into the book to prepare students for advanced studies or professional endeavors in the biological sciences.
• 3. Practical and Engaging Content: The chapters cover a broad range of topics that are both practical and interesting, ensuring that the material is both informative and engaging. Students will encounter complex concepts presented in an accessible way, fostering a deeper understanding and sparking curiosity.
• 4. Broad and Relevant Coverage: The content spans diverse and contemporary areas of biology, from molecular biology to ecology, ensuring that students gain a holistic understanding of the discipline. Each chapter is designed to provide insights into the latest trends and advancements, empowering students to stay informed and adaptable in their future careers.
• 5. The Brainstorm (Roadmap): The "Brainstorm" feature is a key component of each chapter, placed right after the keywords. It serves as a concise summary and guide to the core concepts, helping students gain a clearer understanding of the chapter’s objectives. By offering a structured outline of the chapter’s key points, this feature encourages active reading and enhances comprehension, allowing students to better focus on the most important aspects of the material. This roadmap is a unique feature that empowers students to approach complex topics with more confidence and clarity.

By integrating insights from the latest international textbooks, scientific journals, and online resources, this book ensures that students are exposed to the most current knowledge in the field. This educational approach broadens students’ understanding of biology, while also fostering their self-learning capabilities, preparing them for success both in their studies and in their professional lives. I hope this book serves as an invaluable resource, helping students build a strong foundation in biology and equipping them for lifelong learning and scientific inquiry.

With deep respect and gratitude, I extend my appreciation to those who will enhance the value of this book with their feedback and suggestions. The sources used in this book are listed in the references (see the last pages: Sources and Additional Resources), and I am obliged to thank the authors of these works. Despite my utmost efforts to present a complete and accurate work, errors and omissions are inevitable. I kindly ask readers to share their opinions and criticisms with me via email (mehdi_ommati@outlook.com).

This book was finalized on May 2, 2024, coinciding with my 38th birthday, in Luoyang, China. With the grace of the Almighty, this work has come to an end. I sincerely thank my wife, Samira Sabouri, who has always been a guide and a loyal friend with her wisdom and calm demeanor. I am deeply grateful to my son, Adrian Ommati, whose thirst for knowledge and big dreams have always been a source of inspiration for me, and to my newborn daughter, Ariana Ommati, whose pure and beautiful presence brings me peace and joy. May their presence always inspire me to create remarkable works. Finally, I dedicate this book to my dear parents, Hossein Ommati and Akram Piroozfar, and wish them health from afar.

The Path of Love and Sacrifice
As I the close this preface, I would like to share with you, dear readers, a couplet by the great Persian poet Hafez that beautifully captures the depth of love and sacrifice:

"The path of love is such that it has no borders, There is no solution but to give up one's life in it."

Hafez, a revered poet of Iran, speaks of the "path of love" in this couplet—a path without borders or an end, where the only way to reach the destination is through self-sacrifice and dedication. This concept holds true not only in literature but also in life and science. The love for knowledge and research is also an endless journey that requires relentless effort and sacrifice. This couplet, like a guiding light, reminds us that in the pursuit of knowledge and progress, we must never shy away from dedication and hard work. It is my hope that this book can serve as a companion on this path filled with love and sacrifice, aiding you every step of the way.