Presents a scheme that illustrates the interdependence of proteins and nucleic acids in hereditary functions, built around the arguments and assertions on the nature and synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins presented in current texts. Provides background information in DNA synthesis, RNA synthesis, and a combined "hereditary system." (CS)

Discusses advantages of radial diffusion assay in determining presence of enzyme and/or rough approximation of amount of enzyme activities. Procedures are included for the preparation of starch-agar plates, and the application and determination of enzyme. Techniques using plant materials (homogenates, tissues, ungerminated embryos, and seedlings)…

Presents, in brief form, the results of a two-year evaluation project funded by the National Science Foundation, at Purdue University. Six minicourses selected from 12 colleges and universities were involved in the evaluation. (PEB)

Describes a laboratory experiment demonstrating the aldehyde oxidase activity in wild type and mutant fruit flies using a quantitative assay. The experiment can be performed in one hour. (MA)

The author explains how he uses the Audubon Christmas Bird Count to teach a laboratory exercise in vertebrate population dynamics. Problems and limitations associated with using these Christmas Counts are also enumerated. Graphs illustrate the material. (MA)

Describes an exercise that teaches Mendelian inheritance using human traits which students find exciting and relevant. (LS)

Described is a maternal-fetal model, operated by the student, to teach osmosis-diffusion to biology students. Included are materials needed, assembly instructions, and student operating procedures. (SL)

Presents a mechanical model for an ecology laboratory that introduces the concept of optimal foraging theory. Describes the physical model which includes a board studded with protruding machine bolts that simulate prey, and blindfolded students who simulate either generalist or specialist predator types. Discusses the theoretical model and data…

Presents a system of introducing students to the study of ecology, using a hierarchical organization of organisms into individuals, populations and communities; and using three phases of the environment--space, energy and matter. Discussed is the usefulness of a matrix system when relationships between ecological subheadings are explained. (CS)

Describes several activities that can be done with laboratory mice to study the physiological role of oxytocin. Diagrams included. (MA)

Describes an experiment used to demonstrate the relationship among hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic solutions and provides and open-ended research opportunity for additional individual investigation by students. (Author/MA)

Contains information regarding pollen and human allergies. Lists most common types of pollen, describes pollen morphology, diagrams and apparatus for collecting pollen, and suggests laboratory activities such as pollen counts, pollen concentration, dispersal, and meteorological effects. (CS)

Based on the inference that a teaching strategy that facilitates students' cognitive development toward Piagetian formal operational thought patterns will also increase scholastic performance in introductory genetics, a self-study guide was developed, implemented and tested to facilitate a student's ability to apply formal operational thought…

Suspensions of 20 different cultures were grown on appropriate media, then pipetted into sterile anhydrous silica gel. Silica gel cultures after incubation and refrigerated storage were tested for viability. Results showed little mutation, low replication, low contamination, minimal expenses, and survival up to two years. (CS)

In these days of increasing concern for the state of the environment and declining biodiversity, it is important that students and teachers come to appreciate the value of life in all its forms. Natural history provides students with an opportunity to understand better how life on the planet interacts, as well as the place and responsibility of…