BIOL 106: General Biology

Discover the Oparin-Haldane hypothesis detailing Earth's primordial conditions and the potential birth of life. Learn about the abiotic synthesis of organic molecules, the rise of protobionts, and the evolution to the first true cells.

Explore the foundational principles of Hutton and Lyell, which shaped Darwin's evolutionary ideas. Understand uniformitarianism, deep time, and geographical patterns that inspired Darwin's theory. Discover how geology influenced biological understanding.

Unlock the language of genetic history with our guide to understanding pedigrees and their symbols. Learn how to interpret squares circles and lines to track inheritance patterns for traits and diseases.

Explore the world of Spirillum bacteria, their spiral shape, and their distinct features. Contrast them with Spirochetes, highlighting differences in flagella and structure. Understand key characteristics that set Spirillum apart from other bacteria.

Discover the unique characteristics of cartilage, its critical roles in the human body, and the reasons behind its slow healing rate. Uncover myths and gain clarity on the essential factors influencing cartilage repair.

We explore how to determine the nature of a mysterious, gelatinous substance found on a forest rock. By conducting a series of tests, including microscopy, DNA staining, respiration observation, and growth experiments, we aim to unravel whether this enigmatic material is alive, inanimate, or a product of a living organism.