Gerald C. Karp received a bachelor’s degree from UCLA and a Ph.D. from the University of Washington. He conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Colorado Medical Center before joining the faculty at the University of Florida. Gerry is the author of numerous research articles on the cell and molecular biology of early development. His interests have included the synthesis of RNA in early embryos, the movement of mesenchyme cells during gas- trulation, and cell determination in slime molds. For 13 years, he taught courses in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology at the University of Florida. During this period, Gerry coauthored a text in developmental biology with N. John Berrill and authored a text in cell and molecular biology. Finding it impossible to carry on life as both full-time professor and author, Gerry gave up his faculty position to concentrate on writing. He hopes to revise this text every three years.