BIOL 408: Physiology of Organisms

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.

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.

Explore the world of microbiology in this video as we investigate the processes that lead to genetic variation in bacterial populations. Learn about transduction, transformation, conjugation, and mutation, and discover why meiosis, a process occurring in sexually reproducing organisms, is not a source of genetic variation in bacteria.

Unpack the intricate process of photosynthesis, revealing the two major stages within chloroplasts. Discover the vital roles of ATP and NADPH in the Calvin Cycle. Grasp the essence of how plants fuel life on Earth.

Discover what happens in your body after a hearty meal! Learn about the concept of 'distension' and how nerve cells act as messengers to your control center, orchestrating the digestive process.

Unpack the properties and significance of unsaturated fats in our diet. Explore the importance of double bonds in the fatty acid chains. Conclude with an insightful evaluation of statements about unsaturated fats.