An overview of thermochemical changes as it relates to physical, chemical and nuclear changes. Defines and applies the First Law of Thermodynamics, and explains the terms endothermic and exothermic. Introduces the concept that energy can be measured.
Producers: Alberta Advanced Education
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Transcription of DNA to Messenger RNA
Uses animation and demonstrations to show how DNA is transcribed into messenger RNA. Reveals the structure of messenger RNA and its constituent codons. Explores the various roles of messenger RNA and its importance in embryonic development.
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Specific Heat Capacity and Calorimetry
Duplicates Joule’s experiment to show how he determined specific heat capacity of water. Explains the heat released by one substance equals the heat absorbed by another and specific heat of different substances can be determined using calorimetry.
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Translation and Protein Synthesis
Illustrates how coded genetic information in DNA is transcribed into proteins in cytoplasm. Introduces the process of transcription and examines the specific function of proteins produced in the body. Explains which foods provide essential amino acids.
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Practical Applications of Calorimetry
Shows how the energy content of food can be determined using calorimetry. Defines specific heat capacity and heat capacity. Students design and build a calorimeter and perform an experiment to determine the energy content of a peanut.
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Genes, Mutations and Viruses
Describes different types of mutations in genes and how they are inherited. Uses sickle cell anemia as an example of a mutation that occurs in certain human populations. Examines the effects of environmental mutagens on cells and how viruses change DNA.
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Kinetic and Potential Energy Changes to States of Matter
Graphs are generated to illustrate kinetic and potential energy changes to states of matter. Molecular animation further illustrates this concept. Defines molar enthalpy terms for phase changes and discusses real-life applications.
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Manipulating DNA
Demonstrates how restriction enzymes and gel electrophoresis are used to manipulate DNA in genetic engineering experiments. Simulates bacterial transformation and explores gene therapy as a potential treatment for people with cystic fibrosis.
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Molar Enthalpy of Solution
Explains how energy released by one substance equals energy absorbed by another. Calorimetry experiments show the amount of energy transferred when hot water is added to cold. Experiments determine molar heats of endothermic and exothermic reactions.
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Molecular Genetics and the Human Genome Project
Outlines the Human Genome project, its parameters and potential impacts. Uses models to demonstrate the complexity of gene mapping and the process for isolating genes.