Biologists have to be able to communicate with other biologists and be absolutely sure they are both talking about the same organism. A system of classification first proposed by Linnaeus gives them tools to do this. Recently this classification system has been further refined using studies of DNA. This program looks at how the classification system is organized and how Scientific names are arrived at. The major groups of living things are explained The dichotomous keys used by biologists to classify specimens are used and an example of constructing a key is given.
Subjects: Biology
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Biology Teaching Systems – Super Pack
Contains Modules 1-4 (Introduction, The Cell, RNA and Cell Division & Metabolism)
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The Basics
Topics covered: DNA & RNA, elements & atoms, covalent bonds, ionic bonds, proteins & amino acids, hydrophobic & hydrophilic groups, peptide bonds, prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
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The Cell
Topics covered: Nucleus, cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, mitochondria, DNA, hydrogen bonds, genes & genomes, messenger RNA.
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RNA
Topics covered: RNA, transcription, translation, tertiary and quaternary structures, triplet codon system, the cell membrane, passive and active transport, phagocytosis and pinocytosis, mitosis.
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Cell Division and Metabolism
Topics covered: Cell division, DNA replication, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, the principle of segregation, the principle of independent assortment, metabolism, photosynthesis, oxidation & reduction.
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The Biology Classics: Paramecium, Hydra, Planaria, and Daphnia
Understanding the amazing phenomena of life requires an intimate acquaintance with living things. This program introduces students to four organisms we call the Biology Classics, classics not only because they are featured in science textbooks, but because studying them broadens our concept of what it means to be alive. In this program students will study and observe the following organisms: Paramecium, Hydra, Planaria, and Daphnia.
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Stem Cells: The Ethical Issues
This program comes to grips with the ethical issues raised by one of the most contentious areas of contemporary science: embryonic stem cell research. A range of viewpoints are presented, and speakers include: Professor Alan Trounson, prominent stem cell scientist;
Father Norman Ford, an ethics commentator; Patients with life-threatening medical conditions. They clearly explain what they believe the important issues to be, and the reasons for their viewpoints. Each section is introduced with relevant facts explained in simple terms. Also includes two segments exploring moral/ethical questions raised by related areas of medical science: IVF; genetic testing of IVF embryos (known as PGD, or ‘pre-implementation genetic diagnosis’). -
Understanding Stem Cells
This 30-minute program is an introduction to stem cells. It assumes no prior knowledge, and covers the following topics: What stem cells are; The difference between embryonic and adult stem cells; IVF as a key source of embryonic stem cells; Therapeutic cloning (somatic cell nuclear transfer); The difference between therapeutic and reproductive cloning; Potential medical applications of stem cell research; A brief overview of ethical issues raised by stem cell research.
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Population Management
3 stories of Scientists at work: FOX “Cunning Little Pill” – How Scientists are using the fox immune system to reject sperm; KANGAROO “To Kill or Cultivate the Aussie Roo” – How the populations are monitored and how the kangaroo meat industry works. The issue of whether kangaroos should be culled; THYLOCENE “Cloning the Tasmanian Tiger” – Scientists are trying to use DNA from a preserved specimen to bring the thylocene back from extinction.