Chemical composition of the foods we eat

Our bodies break down food through the digestive process. Let’s investigate the chemical composition of the foods we eat. The USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory has posted a resource through which we can investigate the chemical composition of foods. Assignment: (1) Choose a food, (2) analyze the nutritional components that food using the USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory (see instructions below), and (3) in your own words answer the following questions: What was the food and portion size you chose? Describe its composition in terms of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Is it an important source of vitamins and minerals? How many calories are in your food item? Are there other impor... click for more

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells share many similar features, developed and fine-tuned through years of evolution. Interestingly, the majority of prokaryotic cells exist as simple unicellular organisms, and only on rare occasions can grow together in colonies or demonstrate any type of intercellular communication. Eukaryotic cells, however, form the bodies of multicellular organisms and regularly produce specialized cells and structures. Identify and describe one or two structural and functional differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells that you believe contribute to the ability of eukaryotic cells to form the specialized cells and structures found in multicellular organisms. ... click for more

How you think the further evolution of antibiotic resistance can or cannot be prevented.

The evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations is a direct consequence of natural selection applied by widespread use of antibiotic drugs. When a new antibiotic is first introduced, it kills the vast majority of bacteria exposed to it. The surviving bacterial cells, however, may include individuals whose genomes happen to include a mutant gene that confers resistance. As Darwin understood, individuals carrying the resistance gene will leave behind a disproportionately large share of offspring, which inherit the gene. If the environment consistently contains an antibiotic, bacteria carrying the resistance gene will eventually come to predominate. Because bacteria reproduce so... click for more

Biotechnology

Biotechnology allows us to use living organisms or their processes for human needs or purposes. Research how biotechnology is used today. Describe one use of biotechnology, answering the following questions: What biotechnology application did you choose? Briefly describe this process or application. What benefits are derived from this? Are there any concerns or negative impacts associated with this use of biotechnology? Why or why not? Each person in the class should choose a DIFFERENT biotechnology application. Read other students’ posts to see what they have selected before posting.

Taxonomic Classification

Animals are placed in taxonomic classifications based on differences and similarities of their traits. If you know what critical traits to look for, it is possible to separate any animal into a taxonomic category. Download the document. (See attached file) The document contains a table with images. The images are examples of each Phylum: Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Nematoda, Echinodermata, and Chordata. First, use the table in your textbook (page 428) to determine which Phylum each organism falls into (you will find a description of chordata on page 450). List the specific traits that distinguish each Phylum . (Please do not just copy the lis... click for more