BIOL 489: Selected Topics in Organismal Biology: Parasitology

Explore the world of DNA replication by comparing it to climbing a staircase. Understand the roles of leading and lagging strands, and discover the importance of DNA Polymerase III in this intricate process.

Explore the critical role of phospholipids in forming cell membranes across various organisms. Understand their unique amphipathic properties and their influence on cellular processes, from transport to signaling.

Uncover the fascinating system that nourishes osteocytes in our bones: the osteocyte lacunar-canalicular network. Learn how canaliculi connect these mature bone cells to vital nutrients, ensuring their health even at significant distances from blood vessels.

Discover how our brain interprets the scent of smoke differently based on context. Compare reactions in an open campfire setting versus an enclosed residence hall. Understand the underlying mechanisms of olfactory fatigue and context-driven alarm responses.

Deepen your understanding of glycolysis, a foundational cellular metabolism process. Grasp how glucose transforms into pyruvate or lactate, based on the presence of oxygen. A clear insight into this process aids in exercise science and disease research.

Explore the processes behind ATP synthesis during oxidative phosphorylation. Learn the pivotal role of the proton gradient in energizing ATP synthase. Visualize the interplay of cellular components producing the ATP symphony.