Alberts Molecular Biology 4th vs. 5th Edition

[pro404]

Hi,

I am planning on buying Alberts Molecular Biology of the Cell. As I understand, there is a new 5th edition. However, the table of contents of both the 4th and 5th editions are almost identical. The website says that the new edition has new information on topics such as stem cells, RNAi, apoptosis, comparative genomics, and cancer therapies. I don't think any of these topics are covered at all on the GRE biochemistry test.

There are 4th editions available on amazon for $35-45, whereas it looks like the 5th edition will cost me at least $100, new or used. I would like to save this money, so I plan to buy the 4th edition unless somebody strongly believes that the 4th is too outdated. Has anybody seen the differences between these texts, and if so, do you believe that the 4th edition is still good or should I shell out the money for the 5th edition?

Cheers