BIOL 130: Biological Principles

Explore the Evolutionary History of Invertebrates: Are Beetles Related? Discover the intricate web of invertebrate evolution, dating back over 500 million years, and why beetles and their invertebrate counterparts do not share a common ancestry.

Dive into the structural and functional differences between cardiac and skeletal muscles. Discover unique features, like intercalated discs and neuromuscular junctions, that set them apart. Understand the similarities and distinctions to answer a quiz question effectively.

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.

Learn about the unique adaptability of facultatively anaerobic cells in different oxygen conditions. Discover the outcome of an experiment comparing their growth in aerobic and anaerobic environments. Grasp the resilience of these cells and their growth mechanisms.

Learn about mouse genetics and the implications of dominant and recessive genes on coat color. We'll use a Punnett square to predict offspring coat patterns by crossing two heterozygous mice. Learn how phenotype ratios like 9 Agouti: 4 white: 3 black help us understand genetic outcomes.

Discover the significance of protobionts in the evolution of life, acting as a bridge from non-living to living entities. Understand their boundary formations akin to cell membranes and their rudimentary replication methods. Gain insights into the pivotal role they played in life's origin story.