BIOL 107: Biology and Society

Explore the fascinating intersection of human and prokaryotic genetics revealing that both contain about 1000 shared genes despite their complexity difference. The video explains how this common genetic heritage can be traced back to a universal ancestor covering the essential functions these genes perform like metabolism and DNA replication.

Discover the critical role iodide ions play in regulating metabolism through their involvement in thyroid hormones. Learn how active transport enables the movement of these ions in the body, requiring ATP energy. Uncover common sources of iodide ions and their importance in medical applications.

Explore the application of parsimony in constructing phylogenetic trees, emphasizing simplicity in scientific explanations and its relation to evolutionary changes. Learn about various options for tree construction and the core concept of choosing the most parsimonious representation

Discover the unique adaptations of C4 and CAM plants in photosynthesis. Understand their evolved strategies to fix carbon efficiently in challenging environments. Dive into nature's remarkable mechanisms of survival and adaptation.

Learn how bioremediation works to treat contaminated environments and how microbes can help clean up pollutants. We evaluate multiple scenarios zeroing in on oil-degrading bacteria as a prime example of the process.

Explore the influence of atmospheric pressure in our body's functions, particularly its essential role in pulmonary ventilation or the breathing process.