1. The Unity and Diversity of Life
An overview of
biology that addresses what constitutes life and its inherent unity and
diversity.
2. Chemical Foundations of Life
The functions and main forms
of matter, including atoms, molecules, elements, and compounds.
3. Secrets of the Cell
What cells are and why they are
crucial to the understanding of life processes.
4. The Power of Metabolism
The importance of keeping a
chemical balance within the body, with a case study about gymnast Cathy
Rigby.
5. Energy In — Energy Out
The pathways by which cells trap
and use energy: photosynthesis and aerobic respiration.
6. Generations: Mitosis and Meiosis
How cell division defines
an organism and allows it to grow, reproduce, and repair itself, plus the
role of heredity in passing along traits.
7. Patterns
of Inheritance
Modern-day experiments on crops
build on Gregor Mendel's theory of inheritance.
8. DNA: Blueprint of Life
Plants and animals are genetically
engineered for desirable traits now. How far should we go with this
technology?
9. Proteins: Building Blocks of Life
The structure and order
of proteins along with the unique property of DNA and proteins to retain
and replicate genetic code.
10. Microevolution
Darwin's theory of evolution and the work
by Mayr in the 1940s, who further defined "species."
11. Macroevolution
Looking at the larger picture of species'
changes over time as seen in the fossil record.
12. Viruses, Bacteria, and Protistans
The science of
classification, from the Carl Linnaeus-based system to today's five
kingdoms.
13. Fungi, Plants, and Animals
How the evolution of and
relationships among life forms determine their biological classification,
with an evolutionary overview of three kingdoms: fungi, plants, and
animals.
14. Plant Structure
The role of plants; the predominance of
angiosperms, or flowering plants; and the way plant roots collect
nutrients.
15. Plant Reproduction
The remarkable mechanisms plants use
to maximize reproduction opportunities, such as wind, insects, and birds.
16. Animal Structure
The features common to all animals: a
musculoskeletal system for motion plus homeostasis and feedback for
equilibrium.
17. Circulation: A River of Life
How the movement of blood
throughout the circulatory system in animals sustains life.
18. Immunity
Physical and chemical defenses, including
surface barriers, that protect animals from disease.
19. Respiration
The process of taking in oxygen and releasing
carbon dioxide common to most animals, including a look at respiratory
adaptation and aerobic respiration.
20. Digestion and Fluid Balance
To survive, organisms need to
process fluids and nutritional elements as well as efficiently eliminate
waste.
21. The Neural Connection
The many biochemical and cellular
characteristics that the nervous systems of vertebrates share, including
neurons that allow animals and humans to sense their environment.
22. Endocrine Control: Systems in Balance
The endocrine
system and the role of the nervous system, essential organ systems, and
hormones.
23. Animal Reproduction and Development
Cell development and
differentiation and a comparison of different modes of reproduction.
24. Populations and Communities
How plants and animals in a
community depend on each other's survival, as seen in the example of the
Woolly Star, an endangered shrub.
25. Ecosystems and the Biosphere
How the delicate balance of
interactions in an ecosystem determines survival for its inhabitants.
26. The Human Factor
How humans use technology to affect
ecosystems, with a discussion of global warming and the effect CO2 has on
plant growth and the atmosphere.
