BI 108: Living Systems

Explore the body's fight-or-flight response and its link to caffeine's effects. Learn how the interruption of cAMP phosphodiesterase leads to prolonged alertness and why caffeine can result in sleeplessness.

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 fascinating process of protein digestion, debunking misconceptions about where it starts. Discover the roles of enzymes like pepsin and HCl in breaking down proteins in the stomach.

Discover why most cells are unable to utilize heat for work by exploring the principles of cellular thermodynamics. Learn how heat, as a form of kinetic energy, relates to cellular processes and why uniform temperature distribution within cells hinders their ability to harness heat effectively. Uncover the key factors that determine why cells can't perform work using heat.

Discover the mechanics of voltage-gated Na+ channels and their role in neuron activity. This video breaks down key neuronal terms like resting potential and threshold to explain precisely when these channels open. You'll come away understanding that voltage-gated Na+ channels open at the threshold state initiating an action potential.

Explore the distinct characteristics of muscle tissues and their functions. Understand the differences between skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles. Get insights into the anatomy of striations, cell shapes, and nuclei.