BASICS OF CELL BIOLOGY SERIES (6 Programs) DVD
These six programs were designed to provide a high quality, curriculum-based resource for high school biology teachers and their students. Shot in true high definition at locations around the world in widescreen giving the programs a contemporary look that immediately captures students' attention.
BIOCHEMISTRY I: Atoms, Ions, and Molecules - Begins by describing the basic structure of atoms and how ions are formed as atoms gain or lose electrons. Molecules and the covalent bonds that hold them together are then investigated. The program then explains the difference between organic and inorganic molecules, polar and non-polar molecules and how the hydrogen bonds that form between polar H20 molecules provide water with a number of unique characteristics critical to life. A look at the concept of pH and the role of buffers concludes the program.
BIOCHEMISTRY II: Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, and Nucleic Acids - Starts by explaining how polymers are synthesized out of smaller monomers through dehydration reactions that release H2O molecules in the process. The program goes on to look at the role of carbohydrates in energy storage and as structural building blocks; the use of lipids in synthesizing plasma membranes, fats and steroid hormones; proteins in their role as enzymes, hormones, and structural materials; and nucleic acids use in storing information and transferring energy.
CELLS: The Structure of Life - First explains the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and then explores in detail the structure and function of the major organelles found in eukaryotic cells. Examined organelles include: the nucleus, ribosomes, smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi complex, lysosomes, chloroplasts, mitochondria, plastids, contractile and central vacuoles, cilia, flagella and the microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments that makeup the cytoskeleton. The program concludes by looking at how cellular shape varies with cellular function.
CELL MEMBRANES: The Boundaries of Life - Begins by examining cell wall structure and the major functions of cellular membranes before introducing the fluid mosaic model of the phospholipid bilayer, and transport, recognition, and receptor proteins. The concepts of simple and facilitated diffusion, passive and active transport, and osmosis are illustrated. Endocytosis and exocytosis, the role of contractile and central vacuoles, and how desmosomes and tight junctions tie cells together and how plasmodesmata and gap junctions facilitate communication are explained.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS: Transforming Light to Life - First documents how scientists unraveled the mystery of photosynthesis and then examines the structural adaptations in leaves that facilitate photosynthesis, the nature of visible light, and the structure of chloroplasts before going on to explain how the light dependent reactions that occur in photosystems I and II produce ATP and other high energy molecules that are then used to produce glucose via the light independent C3 and C4 cycles which are compared and contrasted to one another.
GLYCOLYSIS AND CELLULAR RESPIRATION: The Biology of Energy - After looking at the processes of glycolysis and fermentation the program then looks in detail at cellular respiration beginning with the structure of mitochondria. Following the entry of pyruvic acid into the mitochondrial matrix and the formation of acetyl CoA the program continues with an in-depth examination of the citric acid cycle. An exploration of the endosymbiotic hypothesis which offers an explanation of how photosynthesis and cellular respiration arose in eukaryotic cells concludes the program.
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