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Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology

Purpose of Course  showclose

Course Information  showclose

Welcome to BIO101B.  Below, please find general information on this course and its requirements. 

Course Designer: Ann Schlosser; the course materials were originally arranged by faculty from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Primary Resources: This course is comprised of a range of different free, online
materials.  However, the course makes primary use of the following materials:

• Khan Academy Video Lectures
• YouTube: University of California, Berkeley: Jennifer Doudna’s Video Lectures
• Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book
• Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative

Please note that the Carnegie Mellon resource requires that you signup to create a login and password for free to access the open course initiative.

Requirements for Completion: In order to complete this course, you will have to review the material from all units (1-10).  Pay special attention to Units 1 and 2, as these lay the groundwork for understanding the more advanced, exploratory material presented in the latter units. You will also be required to complete:

• Subunit 1.3 Problem Based Learning Assignment
• Subunit 4.3 Problem Based Learning Assignment
• Subunit 5.4 Problem Based Learning Assignment
• Subunit 6.4 Problem Based Learning Assignment
• Subunit 9.3 Problem Based Learning Assignment
• Subunit 9.4 Laboratory Assignment
• Subunit 10.5 Laboratory Assignment
• The Final Exam

 The following laboratory assignments are optional

• Subunit 1.4 Laboratory Assignment
• Subunit 2.3 Laboratory Assignment
• Subunit 3.4 Laboratory Assignment
• Subunit 4.4 Laboratory Assignment
• Subunit 5.5 Laboratory Assignment
• Subunit 6.5 Laboratory Assignment
• Subunit 7.4 Laboratory Assignment
• Subunit 8.3 Laboratory Assignment

Note that you will only receive an official grade on your Final Exam.  However, in order to adequately prepare for this exam, you will need to work through the required assignments listed above.  It is optional, but recommended, that you also complete the traditional laboratory assignments listed above.

In order to “pass” this course, you will need to earn a 70% or higher on the Final Exam. Your score on the exam will be tabulated as soon as you complete it.  If you do not pass the exam, you may take it again.

Time Commitment: This course should take you a total of 102 hours (approximately 81 hours of resources and 21 hours dedicated to laboratories) to complete.  Each unit includes a “time advisory” that lists the amount of time you are expected to spend on each subunit. These should help you plan your time accordingly. It may be useful to take a look at these time advisories and to determine how much time you have over the next few weeks to complete each unit, and then to set goals for yourself. For example, Unit 1 should take you about 8.5 hours. Perhaps you can sit down with your calendar and decide to complete subunits 1.1 and 1.2 (a total of 3 hours) on Monday night; subunit 1.3 (a total of 2.5 hours) on Tuesday night; subunit 1.4 (a total of 3 hours) on Wednesday night; etc.

Tips/Suggestions: For more information on the topics covered in this course, please refer to BIO101A.  As you read or watch the lectures, it may be helpful to take notes.  It has been found that the physical act of writing helps a student retain material.  These notes can also act as a study guide for the Final Exam.

This course has been developed through a partnership with the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. Unless otherwise noted, all materials are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. The Saylor Foundation has modified some materials created by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges in order to best serve our users.

This course features a number of Khan Academy™ videos. Khan Academy™ has a library of over 3,000 videos covering a range of topics (math, physics, chemistry, finance, history and more), plus over 300 practice exercises. All Khan Academy™ materials are available for free at www.khanacademy.org.

A version of this course is also available in iTunes U. Preview the course in your browser or view our entire suite of iTunes U courses.

Learning Outcomes  showclose

Course Requirements  showclose

• Unit 1
• Unit 2
• Unit 3
• Unit 4
• Unit 5
• Unit 6
• Unit 7
• Unit 8
• Unit 9
• Unit 10
• Final Exam
• All Units

Unit Outline show close

Unit 1: Introduction to Biology  

Biology is the “study of life.”  This unit will introduce to you major topics that a biologist studies and the major theories he or she uses and applies in his or her work.  Hopefully, this is where you will begin to develop an appreciation for the scope of topics that biology addresses.

Unit 1 Time Advisory   show close


Unit 1 Learning Outcomes   show close


1.1 Introduction to Biology  

1.1.1 Nature of Science  

• Reading: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Introduction: The Nature of Science and Biology”

  Link: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Introduction: The Nature of Science and Biology” (HTML)
  
  Instructions: Please read the entire introduction linked above.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.1.2 Modern Biology  

• Reading: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Introduction to Modern Biology”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Introduction to Modern Biology” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: On the webpage linked above, click on “Enter Course” to launch a free trial of Carnegie Mellon’s open course initiative.  Read the resource titled “Introduction to Modern Biology.”  You should also consider signing up for a login and password for free to this website as this resource will be used throughout this course.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.2 Biology Systems and Water  

• Lecture: YouTube: University of California, Berkeley: Jennifer Doudna’s “Biology 1A-Lecture 1”

  Link: YouTube: University of California, Berkeley: Jennifer Doudna’s “Biology 1A-Lecture 1” (YouTube)
   
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  Note that at the 30-minute mark, the lecturer misspeaks and says that “thymus enlarges.”  The thymus is a small organ in the upper chest involved in the immune system. The lecturer meant to say “thyroid” when referring to a goiter in the neck.  Note that the last portion of the lecture (properties of water) applies to subunit 3.1 below.  This video should take you approximately 47 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.3 Problem Based Learning Assessment  

• Assessment: WSBCTC's "Problem Set 1"

  Link: WSBCTC's "Problem Set 1" (PDF)
  
  Instructions: Please complete the linked assessment.  When you have finished, check your work against The Saylor Foundation's "Answer Key to Problem Set 1" (PDF).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

1.4 Laboratory Activities  

• Activity: WSBCTC’s “Laboratory Equipment” Laboratory

  Link: “Laboratory Equipment” (PDF)
  
  Instructions:  If you have access to the equipment listed in the laboratory, please complete the linked activity.  This activity is optional.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Activity: WSBCTC’s “Microscopes” Laboratory

  Link: “Microscopes” (PDF)
  
  Instructions:  If you have access to the equipment listed in the laboratory, please complete the linked activity.  This activity is optional.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

Unit 2: Basic Chemistry  

Life is driven by chemical processes.  Many topics in chemistry overlap with basic biology principles.  To fully understand biology, you must have a basic understanding and appreciation of chemistry.  The readings and lectures presented below can help you prepare for the topics in the course as well serve as a resource to which you can refer throughout the semester.  This unit contains a series of YouTube video lectures that will address basic chemistry topics.  You may find that the importance and organization of this unit will make more sense as you proceed through the course.

Unit 2 Time Advisory   show close


Unit 2 Learning Outcomes   show close


2.1 Atoms and Molecules  

2.1.1 Atoms  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Elements and Atoms” and “Introduction to the Atom”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Elements and Atoms” (YouTube) and “Introduction to the Atom” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch both lectures in their entirety (approximately 13 minutes and 21 minutes, respectively) for an introduction to the atom. 
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.1.2 Orbitals  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Orbitals” and “More on Orbitals and Electron Configuration”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Orbitals” (YouTube) and “More on Orbitals and Electron Configuration” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch both video lectures in their entirety.  The first video should take you 13:38 minutes to complete.  The second video should take you about 14 minutes to complete.  Note that the second lecture also applies to sub-subunit 2.1.3. 
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.1.3 Electron Configurations  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Electron Configurations” and “Electron Configurations 2”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Electron Configurations” (YouTube) and “Electron Configurations 2” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch both video lectures in their entirety.  Note that this subunit is also covered by the Khan Academy video posted beneath subunit 2.1.2.  Each video should take you 10 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.1.4 Valence Electrons  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Valence Electrons”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Valence Electrons” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 15 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.1.5 Bonding and Functional Groups  

2.1.5.1 Bonding  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Bonding”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Bonding” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free).  Read the resource, and complete the “Did I Get This” study tool at the bottom of the webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Ionic, Covalent, and Metallic Bonds”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Ionic, Covalent, and Metallic Bonds” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 13 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.1.5.2 Functional Groups  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Functional Groups”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Functional Groups” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free).  Read the resource, complete the tutorials, and complete the “Did I Get This” study tool at the bottom of the webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.1.6 Molecular and Empirical Formulas  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Molecular and Empirical Formulas”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Molecular and Empirical Formulas”  (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 16 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.1.7 Balancing Chemical Equations  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Balancing Chemical Equations”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Balancing Chemical Equations”  (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 15 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.2 Thermodynamics  

2.2.1 Laws of Thermodynamics  

• Reading: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Laws of Thermodynamics”

  Link: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Laws of Thermodynamics” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Read the entire chapter. 
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.2.2 First Law of Thermodynamics  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “First Law of Thermodynamics/Internal Energy”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “First Law of Thermodynamics/Internal Energy”  (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 17 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

2.3 Laboratory Activity  

• Activity: WSBCTC’s “Measurement” Laboratory

  Link: WSBCTC's “Measurement” (PDF)
  
  Instructions:  If you have access to the equipment listed in the laboratory, please complete the linked activity.  This activity is optional.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

Unit 3: Biological Molecules  

All organisms contain the organic biological molecules—carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acid—that are essential to life.  Having an understanding of the structures and functions of these molecules will help you understand what organic molecules our body needs to function properly. 

Unit 3 Time Advisory   show close


Unit 3 Learning Outcomes   show close


3.1 Water and Organic Molecules  

3.1.1 Introduction to Water and Organic Molecules  

• Reading: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Chemistry II: Water and Organic Molecules”

  Link: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Chemistry II: Water and Organic Molecules” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Read the entire chapter. 
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

3.1.2 Water and Hydrogen Bonding  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Water”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Water” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free).  Read the resource, and complete the “Did I Get This” study tool at the bottom of the webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

3.2 Acids and Bases  

3.2.1 pH, pOH, and pKw  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Introduction to pH, pOH, and pKw”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Introduction to pH, pOH, and pKw”  (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 18 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

3.2.2 Electrolytes and pH  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Electrolytes and pH”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Electrolytes and pH” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free).  Read the resource, and complete the “Did I Get This” study tools at the bottom of the webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

3.2.3 Introduction to Acids and Bases  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Acid Base Introduction”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Acid Base Introduction”  (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 18:30 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

3.3 Biological Macromolecules  

• Lecture: YouTube: University of California, Berkeley: Jennifer Doudna’s “Biology 1A-Lecture 2”

  Link: YouTube: University of California, Berkeley: Jennifer Doudna’s “Biology 1A-Lecture 2” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 53 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

3.4 Laboratory Activity  

• Activity: WSBCTC’s “Biological Macromolecules” Laboratory

  Link: WBSCTC's “Biological Macromolecules” (PDF)
  
  Instructions:  If you have access to the equipment listed in the laboratory, please complete the linked activity.  This activity is optional.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

Unit 4: Cells and Cell Membranes  

Cells are the smallest unit of life.  This unit will help you to understand the characteristics, components, and functions of a cell.  By learning the structures of the cells, you can see the similarities and differences between organisms.  Bacteria, plant, animal, and fungus cells are similar in many ways and contain many of the same small structures known as organelles.  However, there are characteristics that can help you distinguish whether a cell belongs to an animal, plant, fungus, or bacteria.  For example, all plant cells contain cell walls, while animal cells lack this particular organelle.  It is the water within a cell pressing against the cell wall that gives a plant its rigidity and your celery its crunch!

Unit 4 Time Advisory   show close


Unit 4 Learning Outcomes   show close


4.1 Transport  

4.1.1 Transport In and Out of Cells  

• Reading: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Transport In and Out of Cells”

  Link: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Transport In and Out of Cells” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Read the entire chapter.  Note: Parts of this reading also apply to the topic outlined in sub-subunit 4.1.3.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above. 

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

4.1.2 Biological Membranes  

• Lecture: YouTube: University of California, Berkeley: Jennifer Doudna’s “Biology 1A-Lecture 5”

  Link: YouTube: University of California, Berkeley: Jennifer Doudna’s “Biology 1A-Lecture 5” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 49:30 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

4.1.2.1 Lipids  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Lipids”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Lipids” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free).  Read the resource.  Complete the “Learn by Doing” activity, and watch the animations.  Also, complete the “Did I Get This” study tool at the bottom of the webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

4.1.2.2 Fluid Mosaic Model  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Fluid Mosaic Model”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Fluid Mosaic Model” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free).  Read the resource.  Watch the animation.  Also, complete the “Did I Get This” study tool at the bottom of the webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

4.1.3 Diffusion and Osmosis  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Diffusion and Osmosis”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Diffusion and Osmosis” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you about 19 minutes to complete.  Note that this sub-subunit is also covered by the reading posted beneath sub-subunit 4.1.1.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

4.1.3.1 Passive/Simple Diffusion  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Passive/Simple Diffusion”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Passive/Simple Diffusion” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free).  Read the resource.  Click “add ink” under the figures and “begin simulation.”  Also, complete the “Did I Get This” study tool at the bottom of the webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

4.1.3.2 Osmosis  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Osmosis”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Osmosis” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free).  Read the resource.  Complete the “Learn by Doing” simulation.  Also, complete the “Did I Get This” study tool at the bottom of the webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

4.1.3.3 Facilitated Diffusion  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Facilitated Diffusion” (HTML and Adobe Flash)

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative:“Facilitated Diffusion” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free).  Read the resource.  Complete the simulation.  Also, complete the “Did I Get This” study tool at the bottom of the webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

4.1.3.4 Active Transport  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Active Transport”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Active Transport” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free).  Read the resource.  Watch the animation.  Also, complete the “Did I Get This” study tools throughout the webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

4.2 Cell  

4.2.1 Cellular Organization  

• Reading: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Cells II: Cellular Organization”

  Link: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Cells II: Cellular Organization” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Read the entire chapter. 
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

4.2.2 Organelles  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Parts of a Cell”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Parts of a Cell” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 21 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “The Cell”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “The Cell” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free).  Read the resource.  Use the practice exercise to help you understand the functions of the cell organelles. Complete the “Did I Get This” study tools at the bottom of the webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

4.3 Problem Based Learning Assessment  

• Assessment: WSBCTC's "Problem Set 2"

  Link: WSBCTC's "Problem Set 2" (PDF)
  
  Instructions: Please complete the linked assessment.  When you have finished, check your work against The Saylor Foundation's "Answer Key to Problem Set 2" (PDF).

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

4.4 Laboratory Activities  

• Activity: WSBCTC’s “Osmosis, Diffusion, and Membranes” Laboratory

  Link: WSBCTC's “Osmosis, Diffusion, and Membranes” (PDF)
  
  Instructions:  If you have access to the equipment listed in the laboratory, please complete the linked activity.  This activity is optional.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Activity: WSBCTC’s “Cells” Laboratory

  Link: “Cells” (PDF)
  
  Instructions:  If you have access to the equipment listed in the laboratory, please complete the linked activity .  This activity is optional.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

Unit 5: Enzymes, Metabolism, Cellular Respiration  

The cell uses enzymes and metabolic pathways to conduct the chemical reactions within the body.  The sum total of every chemical reaction in your body is known as your “metabolism.”  Understanding the reactions that comprise your metabolism is essential to understanding how your body acquires and uses energy to survive.

Unit 5 Time Advisory   show close


Unit 5 Learning Outcomes   show close


5.1 Reactions and Enzymes  

• Reading: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Reactions and Enzymes”

  Link: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Reactions and Enzymes” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Read the entire chapter. 
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

5.1.1 Enzymes  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Enzyme Nomenclature”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Enzyme Nomenclature” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free).  Read the resource.  Watch the animation.  Also, complete the “Did I Get This” study tools throughout the webpage. 
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Lecture: Dr. Scott Rollins’ “Enzymes”

  Link: Dr. Scott Rollins’ “Enzymes” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 12 minutes to complete.  The audio within the video is low so please turn up your computer’s speakers. Additionally, the lecture does not start until 19 seconds into the video.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

5.1.2 Oxidation and Reduction Reactions  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Oxidations and Reduction Review from Biological Point-of-View”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Oxidations and Reduction Review from Biological Point-of-View” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 13 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Redox Reactions”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Redox Reactions” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free). Read the resource.  Complete the “mini-tutor” and “Did I Get This” study tools at the bottom of the resource page.  
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

5.2 Metabolism  

5.2.1 Cellular Metabolism and Fermentation  

• Reading: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Cellular Metabolism and Fermentation”

  Link: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Cellular Metabolism and Fermentation” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Read the entire chapter. 
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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5.2.2 Pathways and Regulation  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Metabolic Pathways” and “Regulation”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Metabolic Pathways” (HTML and Adobe Flash) and “Regulation” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free).  Read both resources on “Metabolic Pathways” and “Regulation.”  Complete the “Did I Get This” study tools at the bottom of each webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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5.2.3 ATP and Biological Energy  

• Reading: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “ATP and Biological Energy”

  Link: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “ATP and Biological Energy” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Read the entire chapter. 
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “ATP: Adenosine Triphosphate”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “ATP: Adenosine Triphosphate” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 13 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

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5.2.4 Energy Storage in Metabolism  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Energy Storage in Metabolism”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Energy Storage in Metabolism” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free).  Read the resource.  Complete the “Did I Get This” study tool at the bottom of the webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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5.2.5 Thermodynamics  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Thermodynamics”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Thermodynamics” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free).  Read the resource.  Complete the “tutorial” and the “Did I Get This” study tools throughout the resource page.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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5.3 Cellular Respiration  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Introduction to Cellular Respiration”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Introduction to Cellular Respiration” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 14 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

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5.3.1 Oxidation and Reduction in Cellular Respiration  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Oxidations and Reduction in Cellular Respiration”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Oxidation and Reduction in Cellular Respiration” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 17 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

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5.3.2 Glycolysis  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Glycolysis”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Glycolysis” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free).  Read the resource.  Complete the “tutorial” and the “Did I Get This” study tools throughout the webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Glycolysis”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Glycolysis” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you 13:30 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

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5.3.3 Krebs/Citric Acid Cycle  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “TCA Cycle”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “TCA Cycle” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free).  Read the resource.  Complete the “Learn by Doing” and the “Did I Get This” study tools throughout the webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Krebs/Citric Acid Cycle”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Krebs/Citric Acid Cycle” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 18 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

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5.3.4 Electron Transport Chain  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Electron Transport Chain and Phosphorylation”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Electron Transport Chain and Phosphorylation” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon webpage, or use your login (sign up for id and password is free).  Read the resource.  Complete the “Learn by Doing” and “Did I Get This” study tools throughout the webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Electron Transport Chain”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Electron Transport Chain” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 17 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

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5.3.5 Oxidative Phosphorylation and Chemiosmosis  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Oxidative Phosphorylation and Chemiosmosis”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Oxidative Phosphorylation and Chemiosmosis”  (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 5 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

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5.4 Problem Based Learning Assessment  

• Assessment: WSBCTC's "Problem Set 3"

  Link: WSBCTC's "Problem Set 3" (PDF)
  
  Instructions: Please complete the linked assessment.  When you have finished, check your work against The Saylor Foundation's "Answer Key to Problem Set 3."

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

5.5 Laboratory Activity  

• Activity: WSBCTC’s “Enzymes” Laboratory

  Link: WSBCTC's “Enzymes” (PDF)
  
  Instructions:  If you have access to the equipment listed in the laboratory, please complete the linked activity.  This activity is optional.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

Unit 6: Photosynthesis  

Have you ever wondered how a plant grows from a tiny acorn to a giant oak?  Where does all that biomass come from?  How does it get the energy to grow?  This unit will help you answer those questions by discussing photosynthesis.  Photosynthesis is the fascinating process by which plants convert light energy to chemical energy.  Because plants are at the bottom of the food pyramid in almost all ecological systems, understanding how they grow and develop will give you a greater understanding of your environment.

Unit 6 Time Advisory   show close


Unit 6 Learning Outcomes   show close


6.1 Photosynthesis  

• Reading: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Photosynthesis”

  Link: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Photosynthesis” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Read the entire chapter. 
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Photosynthesis”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Photosynthesis” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 13 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

6.1.1 Light Reaction I  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Photosynthesis: Light Reaction 1” and “Photosynthesis: Light Reactions and Photophosphorylation”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Photosynthesis: Light Reaction 1” (YouTube) and “Photosynthesis: Light Reactions and Photophosphorylation”  (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch both video lectures in their entirety.  Each video should take you approximately 20 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

6.1.2 Calvin Cycle  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Photosynthesis: Calvin Cycle”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Photosynthesis: Calvin Cycle” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 13 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

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6.1.3 Photorespiration  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Photorespiration”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Photorespiration” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 17 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

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6.2 C-4 photosynthesis  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “C-4 Photosynthesis”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “C-4 Photosynthesis” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 17 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

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6.3 Crassulacean Acid Metabolism Photosynthesis (CAM)  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “CAM Plants”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “CAM Plants” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 8 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

6.4 Problem Based Learning Assessment  

• Assessment: WSBCTC's "Problem Set 4"

  Link: WSBCTC's  “Problem Set 4” (PDF)
  
  Instructions: Please complete the linked assessment.  When you have finished, check your work against The Saylor Foundation's "Answer Key to Problem Set 4."

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

6.5 Laboratory Activity  

• Activity: WSBCTC’s “Respiration and Photosynthesis” Laboratory

  Link: WSBCTC's “Respiration and Photosynthesis” (PDF)
  
  Instructions:  If you have access to the equipment listed in the laboratory, please complete the linked activity.  This activity is optional.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

Unit 7: Cellular Reproduction: Mitosis  

This unit discusses the process of cellular division known as mitosis.  Mitosis happens in almost every cell of your body and is responsible for growth as well as the replacement of damaged cells.  Serious consequences, such as cancer, can occur if this cell cycle is disrupted in some way.  The topics you will study in this unit are essential in understanding basic principles about your health.

Unit 7 Time Advisory   show close


Unit 7 Learning Outcomes   show close


7.1 Molecular Biology  

• Reading: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Basis of Molecular Biology”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Basis of Molecular Biology” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon website, or login (sign up for an id and password is free). Read the resource, and watch the animation.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

7.2 DNA and RNA  

7.2.1 Overview  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Overview of DNA and RNA”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Overview of DNA and RNA” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon website, or login (sign up for an id and password is free).  Read the resource.  Explore the DNA animated model.  Please note that this resource also applies to Unit 10.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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7.2.2 Backbone  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Backbone”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Backbone” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon website, or login (sign up for an id and password is free).  Read the resource, and complete the “Did I Get This” study tool at the bottom of the webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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7.2.3 Bases  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Bases”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Bases” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon website, or login (sign up for an id and password is free).  Read the resource.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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7.2.4 Hydrogen Bonding of Bases  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Hydrogen Bonding of Bases”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Hydrogen Bonding of Bases” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon website, or login (sign up for an id and password is free). Read the resource and complete the “tutorial” and the “Did I Get This” study tools throughout the webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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7.2.5 Hybridization of DNA/RNA Segments  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Hybridization of DNA/RNA segments”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Hybridization of DNA/RNA segments” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon website, or login (sign up for an id and password is free). Read the resource.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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7.2.6 Double Helix Structure  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Double Helix Structure”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Double Helix Structure” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon website, or login (sign up for an id and password is free). Read the resource and complete the “Did I Get This” study tool at the bottom of the resource page.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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7.2.7 Differences between DNA and RNA  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Differences between DNA and RNA”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Differences between DNA and RNA” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon website, or login (sign up for an id and password is free). Read the resource and complete the “Did I Get This” study tool at the bottom of the webpage.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

7.3 Cell Division  

7.3.1 Phases of Mitosis  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Phases of Mitosis”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Phases of Mitosis” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 20 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

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7.3.2 Binary Fission and Mitosis  

• Reading: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Cell Division: Binary Fission and Mitosis”

  Link: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Cell Division: Binary Fission and Mitosis” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Read the entire chapter. 
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

7.4 Laboratory Activity  

• Activity: WSBCTC’s “Mitosis” Laboratory

  Link: WSBCTC's “Mitosis” (PDF)
  
  Instructions:  If you have access to the equipment listed in the laboratory, please complete the linked activity.  This activity is optional.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

Unit 8: Cellular Reproduction: Meiosis  

Meiosis is a specialized type of cellular reproduction that only occurs in the ovaries and testes and results in an egg or sperm, respectively.  Sexual reproduction is responsible for the amazing amount of diversity within a species.  When sperm fertilizes an egg, the resulting offspring contain genes from the father and the mother.  In essence, you contain, at least in a small part, genes from ALL of your ancestors.

Unit 8 Time Advisory   show close


Unit 8 Learning Outcomes   show close


8.1 Chromosomes, Chromatids, Chromatin  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Chromosomes, Chromatids, Chromatin, etc.”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Chromosomes, Chromatids, Chromatin, etc.” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 18 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

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8.2 Cell Division  

8.2.1 Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction  

• Reading: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Cell Division: Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction”

  Link: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Cell Division: Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Read the entire chapter. 
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

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• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Mitosis, Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Mitosis, Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction ” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately.  18 minutes to complete. Note: The first portion of this lecture (mitosis) also applies to sub-subunit 7.3.2.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

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8.2.2 Phases of Meiosis  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Phases of Meiosis”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Phases of Meiosis” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 27 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

8.3 Laboratory Activity  

• Activity: WSBCTC’s “Meiosis” Laboratory

  Link: WSBCTC's “Meiosis” (PDF)
  
  Instructions:  If you have access to the equipment listed in the laboratory, please complete the linked activity.  This activity is optional.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

Unit 9: Mendelian Genetics & Chromosomes  

Do you ever wonder why you look so similar to your brother, or where you got your freckles from?  Are you concerned about developing a disease that another family member struggles with?  These are the types of questions that can be answered with an understanding of genetics.  This unit will teach you about the basic principles of inheritance and will help you understand the chances of a trait being passed from one generation to another.

Unit 9 Time Advisory   show close


Unit 9 Learning Outcomes   show close


9.1 Introduction to Genetics  

• Reading: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Introduction to Genetics”

  Link: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Introduction to Genetics” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Read the entire chapter. 
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

9.1.1 Introduction to Heredity  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Introduction to Heredity”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Introduction to Heredity” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 17 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

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9.1.2 Punnett Squares  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Punnett Square Fun”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Punnett Square Fun” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 25 minutes to complete.  Punnett Squares are named after the Geneticist Reginald Punnett, who developed the method for predicting probabilities.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

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9.2 Sex-Linked Traits  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “Sex-Linked Traits”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “Sex-Linked Traits” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 14 minutes to complete.  Note: Punnett Squares are named after the Geneticist Reginald Punnett, who developed the method for predicting probabilities.
  
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

9.3 Problem Based Learning Assessment  

• Assessment: WSBCTC's "Problem Set 5"

  Link: WSBCTC's “Problem Set 5” (PDF)
  
  Instructions: Please complete the linked assessment.  When you have finished, check your work against The Saylor Foundation's "Answer Key to Problem Set 5."

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

9.4 Laboratory Assignments  

• Web Media: Virtual Genetics Lab “Software”

  Link: Virtual Genetics Lab “Software” (.EXE)
  
  Instructions:  The laboratory exercises for this subunit can be completed without any special equipment. However, you will have to download software. Please follow the link above and click on “Download” on the left side of the screen. After you have read the system requirements, please click “Download, Install and Run VGLII.”
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Interactive Lab: Virtual Genetics Lab “Exercise 1”

  Link: WSBCTC's Virtual Genetics Lab “Exercise 1” (PDF)
  
  Instructions:  This laboratory can be completed without any special equipment. Using the Virtual Genetics Software, please complete the questions in Exercise 1.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Interactive Lab: Virtual Genetics Lab “Exercise 2”

  Link: WSBCTC's “Exercise 2” (PDF)
  
  Instructions:  This laboratory can be completed without any special equipment. Using the Virtual Genetics Software, please complete the questions in Exercise 2. 

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

Unit 10: Gene Expression  

In this unit, you will learn about the universal genetic codes deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid, which are better known as DNA and RNA.  DNA and RNA are universal because one or both are found in every known organism!  As you learned in Unit 7, the DNA and RNA in every organism are made up of the same few “ingredients.”  However, the slight differences are what account for the differences between species (what makes a dog different from a toadstool) and the differences within species (what makes you different from your neighbor).  This unit will give you a greater understanding of the genetic code and its impact on your life.

Unit 10 Time Advisory   show close


Unit 10 Learning Outcomes   show close


10.1 DNA  

• Lecture: Khan Academy’s “DNA”

  Link: Khan Academy’s “DNA” (YouTube)
  
  Instructions: Watch the entire lecture.  This video should take you approximately 28 minutes to complete. 
   
  Terms of Use: This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States License.  It is attributed to the Khan Academy.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

10.2 DNA Replication and Synthesis  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Intro to DNA Replication,” “DNA Replication,” and “DNA Synthesis”

  Links: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Intro to DNA Replication” (HTML) “DNA Replication,” (HTML and Adobe Flash) and “DNA Synthesis” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course" on the Carnegie Mellon website, or use your login (sign up for an id and password is free).  Read the entire webpage on “Intro to DNA Replication.”  Then, read the “DNA Replication” resource, and complete the “Learn More” and “Did I Get This” study tools throughout the webpage.  Finally, read the entire webpage titled “DNA Synthesis.”
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Web Media: PBS’s DNA: The Secret of Life: “DNA Replication”

  Link: PBS’s DNA: The Secret of Life: “DNA Replication” (YouTube)
   
  Instructions: Watch this brief, 1-minute video.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  The Saylor Foundation does not yet have materials for this portion of the course. If you are interested in contributing your content to fill this gap or aware of a resource that could be used here, please submit it here.

  Submit Materials

10.3 Transcription and Translation  

10.3.1 DNA Transcription  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Intro to DNA Transcription”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Intro to DNA Transcription” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon website, or use your login (sign up for an id and password is free).  Read the entire webpage on “Intro to DNA Transcription.”
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

10.3.2 RNA Synthesis  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “RNA Synthesis”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “RNA Synthesis” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon website, or use your login (sign up for an id and password is free).  Read the entire webpage on “RNA Synthesis.”
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

10.3.3 Introduction to RNA Translation  

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Intro to RNA Translation”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Intro to RNA Translation” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon website, or use your login (sign up for an id and password is free).  Read the entire webpage on “Intro to RNA Translation.”
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

10.3.4 Protein Synthesis  

• Reading: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Protein Synthesis”

  Link: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Protein Synthesis” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Read the entire chapter. 
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Web Media: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative: “Protein Synthesis”

  Link: Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative:“Protein Synthesis” (HTML and Adobe Flash)
    
  Instructions: To access the OLI materials, please click on “Enter Course” on the Carnegie Mellon website, or use your login (sign up for an id and password is free).  Read the resource, and complete the “Learn by Doing” animation. 
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

10.4 Control of Gene Expression  

• Reading: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Control of Gene Expression”

  Link: Michael J. Farabee’s Online Biology Book: “Control of Gene Expression” (HTML)
   
  Instructions: Read the entire chapter. 
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

10.5 DNA Technology in Your Life  

• Web Media: YouTube: National Geographic’s “The Genographic Project”

  Link: YouTube: National Geographic’s “The Genographic Project” (YouTube)
   
  Instructions: Watch the video and think about all the ideas and topics from this course that are explicitly or implicitly addressed in this single amazing project. This video should take you approximately 7:30 minutes to complete.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

10.6 Laboratory Assignments  

• Interactive Lab: University of Utah’s Genetics Science Learning Center: “Learn Genetics: Transcribe and Translate a Gene”

  Link: University of Utah’s Genetics Science Learning Center: “Learn Genetics: Transcribe and Translate a Gene” (Adobe Flash)
  
  Instructions:  This laboratory can be completed without any special equipment.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Interactive Lab: University of Massachusetts: Brian White’s “Gene Explorer Java Applet”

  Link: University of Massachusetts: Brian White’s “Gene Explorer Java Applet” (JAVA)
  
  Instructions:  This laboratory can be completed without any special equipment.  Please use the Java Applet to complete Gene Explorer Laboratory.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

• Interactive Lab: University of Massachusetts: Brian White’s “Gene Explorer Lab”

  Link: University of Massachusetts: Brian White’s “Gene Explorer Lab” (PDF)
  
  Instructions:  Open the “lab manual” PDF near the bottom of the page listed in the Downloading and installing section. This laboratory can be completed without any special equipment.  Please use the Java Applet to complete the Gene Explorer Laboratory.
  
  Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use displayed on the webpage above.

  See a broken link? Please let us know!

Final Exam  

• Final Exam: The Saylor Foundation's "BIO101B Final Exam"

  Link: The Saylor Foundation's "BIO101B Final Exam"
  
  Instructions: You must be logged into your Saylor Foundation School account in order to access this exam.  If you do not yet have an account, you will be able to create one, free of charge, after clicking the link.
  
  

  See a broken link? Please let us know!