Basics of Biology
 
 
36 DVD Series $2,999.90



Description Key Features
 

The Basics of Biology:
36 science DVD programs, over 19 hours of content from all over the world, it's the ultimate tool for the teaching of biology!

Basics of Cell Biology:
6 science DVD programs



Biochemistry I: Atoms, Ions, and Molecules science DVD - 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 H2O 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 science DVD - Starts by explaining how polymers are synthesized out of smaller monomers t
hrough 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.

Cell Membranes: The Boundaries of Life
science DVD -
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 science DVD - 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.

Cells: The Structure of Life
science DVD - 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 make up the cytoskeleton. The program concludes by looking at how cellular shape varies with cellular function.

Glycolysis and Cellular Respiration: The Biology of Energy science DVD - 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.Bookmark and Share

Basics of Genetics: 6 science DVD programs



DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis: Information to Structure science DVD - Looks first at the structure of DNA before going on to describe how DNA carries out its four major functions: the storage of information; the replication of information; creating slight changes in the information through mutations that forces of natural selection act upon; and the translating of information into the proteins that define an individual. During this discussion students are introduced to: point mutations; insertions and deletions; the genetic code; transfer, messenger, and ribosomal RNA; and the process of replication and translation.

Meiosis, Sexual Reproduction, & Genetic Variability
science DVD - Begins by comparing asexual and sexual reproduction and describing chromsomes and homologous pairs. The difference between haploid and diploid cells and the three major eukaryotic life cycles are then described. The program goes on to a detailed description of all the stages of Meiosis I and II including prophase I and II, metaphase I and II, anaphase I and II, and telophase I and II. In the process students are introduced to phenomena such as crossing over and provided an explanation of how meiosis creates genetic variability in a species.

Cellular Reproduction: Mitosis, Cytokinesis, and the Cell Cycle science DVD - Starts by introducing the cell cycle and briefly describing the process of binary fusion in prokaryotic cells before going on to a detailed look at the eukaryotic cell cycle from the G1, S and G2 phases of interphase through the prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase phases of mitosis. The difference between cytokinesis in animal and plant cells is then illustrated. The program concludes by explaining why an understanding of cellular division is critical to: conquering cancer, cloning organs, and perhaps even reversing aging.

Understanding Inheritance: Mendel, Method, and Mapping
science DVD - Delves into the fundamental aspects of genetic inheritance and how Mendel discovered t
he principles that form the foundation of modern genetics. The program first goes to Mendel's pea garden to investigate how Mendel came to propose the Laws of Dominance, Independent Assortment and Segregation and how those laws have been modified as a result of work done by those that followed Mendel. The program later explores sex-linked traits, the use of Punnet squares, incomplete dominance, codominance, and polygenic inheritance.

The Human Genome: Traits, Disorders, and Treatments science DVD - Begins by looking at single gene genetic disorders including recessive disorders such as Tay-Sachs and sickle-cell anemia, dominant disorders such as Huntington's disease, and sex-linked disorders such as hemophilia and color blindness. The program then looks at polygenic inheritance and environmental influences on the expression of genes. Chromosomal inheritance of disorders such as Down syndrome are then explored before looking at the ethical issues involved in genetic testing and the hope promised by the Human Genome Project.

Biotechnology: Engineering Genomes science DVD - First looks at major research areas in biotechnology such as the Human Genome Project and the various forms of recombinant DNA technology that produce transgenic plants and animals. The program then goes on to look at the tools used by biotechnologists such as restriction enzymes, plasmids, vector and vector less insertion of genes into genomes, and the production of genes via polymerase chain reactions. The program then concludes by looking at the future of biotechnology and some of the environmental, economic, and ethical issues raised by biotech.Bookmark and Share

Basics of Anatomy:
6 science DVD programs



The Nervous System: Neurons, Networks and the Human Brain science DVD - Begins by examining the structure and function of neurons; resting, action and post-synaptic potentials; and reflexes and neural networks. The peripheral, somatic, autonomic, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are introduced before looking at the central nervous system. After describing spinal cord structure and function the program then examines the human brain including the medula, pons, and cerebellum of the hindbrain; the recticular formation of the midbrain; and the thalamus, limbic system and cerebral cortex of the forebrain.

The Immunological System: Recognition, Attack, and Memory science DVD - Starts by looking at external barriers to microbial attack such as the skin and mucus membranes and non-specific internal defenses such as macrophages, natural killer cells, and the inflammatory response. The program then delves into the immune response including the recognition of invaders by antibodies and T-cell receptors, the destruction of invaders by antibodies and cytotoxic T-cells, and the immunity conferred by memory cells. A discussion of how vaccinations work and current AIDS research concludes the program.

The Endocrine System: Molecular Messengers, Chemical Control
science DVD - First looks at the chemical structure of various hormones, the hormone receptors found on target cells, and the feedback mechanisms that regulate hormone levels. After explaining the difference between exocrine and endocrine glands the program then looks at the various endocrine glands and organs in
cluding: the hypothalamus; the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands; the pancreas, testes and ovaries; and organs such as the thymus, kidneys, stomach, small intestine and heart that produce hormones.

Respiration and Circulation: Gas Exchange, Molecular Transport
science DVD - Looks at the flow of air through the conducting portions of the respiratory system to the alveoli before examing: the role of hemoglobin in gas exchange and O2 and CO2 transport in the blood; the operation of the respiratory control center; and the mechanics of breathing. The program then investigates the composition of blood and how it flows through the heart, arteries, capillaries and veins before
looking at the role of the lymphatic system in fighting infection, transporting fats, and returning interstitial fluid to the blood.

Digestion and Excretion: Absorption, Excretion, and Homeostasis science DVD - First examines the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food that occurs in the mouth and stomach before looking at digestion and absorption in the small intestine and the enzymes and other chemicals secreted by the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas that aid in the process. The program then looks at the synthesis of vitamins by bacteria in the large intestine and then goes on to explore the complex struct
ures in the kidney that allow them to filter wastes out of the blood while returning water and nutrients.

Muscular, Skeletal, and Integumentary Systems: Defining Our Form
science DVD - Begins by introducing the dermis and epidermis of the skin; the sweat and sebaceous glands; and the skins role in protecting against microbial invasion, ultra-violet radiation and in producing vitamin D. The program then looks in-depth at the structure and function of skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle before looking at the structure of cartilage and bone and the skeletal systems role in protecting vital organs, producing blood cells, storing nutrients and in conjunction with the muscular system, producing movement.
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Basics of Ecology: 6 science DVD programs



Aquatic Biomes: Oceans, Lakes, Rivers and Wetlands science DVD - Begins by looking at the characteristics common to all aquatic environments. The program then examines the littoral, limnetic and profundal zones of freshwater lakes, the seasonal cycling of O2 and nutrients, and the difference between oligotrophic and eutrophic lakes before observing how life changes along the course of rivers and explaining the ecological importance of wetlands. The photoc, aphotic, and benthic ocean zones are then described and marine habitats such as tide pools, kelp forests, coral reefs, and vent communities explored.

Terrestrial Biomes: Deserts, Grasslands, and Forests science DVD - Starts by introducing the four requirements of life - nutrients, energy, liquid water and tem
peratures appropriate for carrying out life processes and then goes on to explain the factors such as latitude, proximity to oceans, and elevation, that affect climate. Climates relationship to the type of vegetation found in a biome is then explained before introducing students to the major terrestrial biomes including tropical rainforests, temperate rainforests, deciduous forests, savannas, grasslands, chaparrals, taiga, tundra and deserts.

Populations: Biotic Potential, Environmental Resistance science DVD - Initially looks at how population growth rates are calculated and introduces the concepts of biotic potential, exponential growth and environmental resistance before looking at boom-and-bust cycles and the carrying capacity of ecosystems. Density independent limits to population growth such as changes in the weather, as well as density dependent limits such as predation, parasitism, and competition are th
en examined. A discussion of the distribution of populations over space and time concludes the program.

Community Interactions: Competition, Predation, and Symbiosis science DVD - First describes the concepts of community, coevolution and ecological niche before looking at how competition results from overlapping niches. The program then examines predator-prey relationships and the various adaptations such as camouflage, warning coloration, mimicry and chemical warfare that have evolved as a result of these relationships. Symbiotic relationships such as parasitism, com
mensalism, and mutualism are then explored. A discussion of primary and secondary succession concludes the program.

How Ecosystems Work: Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycles science DVD - Looks at the processes that are fundamental to all ecosystems. First the concepts of primary productivity, trophic levels, food chains, energy pyramids and the flow of energy through ecosystems are introduced. The program then explains how carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and water cycle through ecosystems and how human activities can disrupt these cycles and throw them out of balance leading to accelerated eutrophication in lakes in the case of phosphorous imbalances and global warming in the case of carbon imbalances.

Human Impact on the Biosphere science DVD - Introduces the concept of biological magnification before looking at the various types of air pollution and their relationship to phenomena such as smog, acid rain, destruction of the ozone layer and global warming. The program then examines the pollution of water by biodegradable and non-biodegradable pollutants, pathogens, drugs and thermal pollution sources. Deforestation, desertification and other habitat destruction is then addressed along with the impact of such destruction on threatened and endangered species.Bookmark and Share

Basics of Biodiversity: 6 science DVD programs



Bacteria, Archaebacteria, and the Prokaryotic Domains science DVD - Establishes the importance of bacteria by giving examples of symbiotic relationships with both plants and animals and discussing the endosymbiotic hypothesis and the bacterial origins of the mitochondria and chloroplasts found in eukaryotic cells. The program then looks in detail at both eubacteria and archaebacteria and some of the unique habitats such as hot springs in which they exist. The program concludes by examining some bacteria that act as human pathogens and others that are beneficial to humans.

Protists: The Origins of Eukaryotic Diversity science DVD - Explores the evolutionary history of eukaryotes while examining the incredible diversity that exists in kingdom Protista reflected in organisms such as Euglena which have both animal and plant-like qualities. The program then looks at animal-like zooflagellates, sarcodines, ciliates, and sporozoans; fungus-like slime molds, and plant-like dinoflagellates, diatoms, and englenoids. Multicellular red, brown and green algae are examined and why modern biology places all three in kingdom Protista rather than kingdom Plantae explained.

Fungi: Decomposers and Parasites
science DVD - Begins by describing hyphae - the filamentous, thread-like fungal cells that intertwine to form interwoven masses called mycelium which are usually only visible when differentiated into sexual structures such as mushrooms, puffballs, and powdery molds. How fungi obtain nutrients either through parasitic or mutualistic relationships or decomposing dead bodies is examined before looking at their economic, ecological, and health impacts. The major divisions of fungi are then examined and some of the unique adaptations found in kingdom Fungi discussed.

Kingdom Plantae: Builders of Biomes
science DVD -
Starts by looking at the watery origins of modern land plants before looking at the adaptations that have evolved in plants and enabled them to spread to nearly every corner of the Earth. These adaptations include: roots, which anchor plants and absorb water and nutrients from the soil; vessels, that conduct water and nutrients throughout a plant; lignin, which stiffens and supports plants enabling them to grow taller; pollen, which frees plants from a dependence on water for reproduction; and fruits, which entice animals to unwittingly spread a plants seeds far and wide.

Kingdom Animalia: The Invertebrates science DVD - Looks at the evolutionary trends such as cephalization, segmentation, changes in body symmetry, increases in locomotive efficiency and the development of increasingly complex tissues and organs that occur as one goes from the sponges of phylum Porifera to the octopuses of class Cephalogoda. Structural, functional, and behaviorial adaptations unique to members of each of the invertebrate phyla including: Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Nemotoda, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata are discussed in detail.

Kingdom Animalia: The Vertebrates science DVD - Begins by looking at the evolutionary origins of vertebrates before going on to examine primitive aquatic vertebrates such as jawless hagfish and lampreys and the more sophisticated sharks and rays of class Chondrichthyes and the "bony" fish of class Osteichthyes. The program then studies evolutionary adaptations such as: changes in skeletal structure, skin and eggs resistant to evaporation, control of body temperature, and increased circulatory and cognitive capacity that one sees going from class Amphibia to classes Reptilia and Aves and on to class Mammalia.Bookmark and Share

Basics of General Biology:
6 science DVD programs



The Human Body: The Ultimate Machine science DVD - Details the functioning of each of the human body's major systems including the muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, skeletal, urinary, endocrine, lymphatic, nervous, and reproductive systems. This Great Pacific program uses realistic 3-D animation, exciting footage of actual surgical procedures, and microphotography to take students on a concise and incredible journey through the human body. 'The Ultimate Machine also introduces students to how physicians obtain a wealth of information about patients through observation and simple tests.

Cells: The Building Blocks of Life science DVD - Begins by introducing cells as the building blocks of life. The program then describes the two basic types of cells, eukaryotic and prokaryotic. The program goes on to illustrate with detailed 3-D animation the major components of prokaryotic cells; nucleus, nuclear membrane, golgi bodies, microtubules, microfilaments, cytopla
sm, etc. The importance of the cell membrane in the processes of diffusion, osmosis, and active transport are illustrated. Cellular processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, and reproduction are also discussed.

The Web of Life: Producer to Predator science DVD - Looks at the processes and relationships that occur in all ecosystems; the flow of energy, the cycling of water and nutrients, food chains, and the producer-consumer-decomposer cycle. Students will become familiar with terms such as community, population, homeostasis, biome, habitat, niche, succession, predator, prey,
mimicry, mutualism, symbiosis, and limiting factors. The program concludes by looking at examples of how modern society has effected the balance of life in different ecosystems.

Genetics and Heredity: The Blueprint of Life
science DVD - The structure of DNA and the processes of mitosis and meiosis are illustrated with high quality 3-D animation. The program then explains how traits are passed between generations, the difference between pure and hybrid traits, recessive and dominant genes, and the use of the Punnett square to predict the probability of offspring inheriting a given trait. The program also looks at some common genetic disorders and th
e importance of genetics in medicine and biotechnology.

The World's Biomes: Desert to Rainforest science DVD - This Great Pacific program begins by introducing students to how various physical factors determine the climate of a biome and, in turn, the density of life within a given biome. The program then takes students on a journey through rain forests, deserts, grasslands, coniferous forests, alpine tundra, deciduous forests, and marine and freshwater biomes. Throughout the journey the adaptations that different organisms make to their environment are highlighted.

Classification: Bringing order to Diversity science DVD - Explains the ways scientists organize and categorize the tremendous diversity of life. The program explains the difference between the kingdoms: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia. The program also looks at the most important phyla and classes of plants and animals. After watching this program, students will understand the differences between invertebrates and vertebrates, and monocots and dicots, as well as the characteristics that distinguish major classes of plants and animals.Bookmark and Share
 
 



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