By the end of this section, you will be able to:Describe the four major types of lipidsExplain the role of fats in storing energyDifferentiate between saturated and unsaturated fatty acidsDescribe phospholipids and their role in cellsDefine the basic structure of a steroid and some functions of steroidsExplain the how cholesterol helps to maintain the fluid nature of the plasma membrane

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Describe the structure of nucleic acids and define the two types of nucleic acidsExplain the structure and role of DNAExplain the structure and roles of RNA

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Describe the functions proteins perform in the cell and in tissuesDiscuss the relationship between amino acids and proteinsExplain the four levels of protein organizationDescribe the ways in which protein shape and function are linked

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Understand the synthesis of macromoleculesExplain dehydration (or condensation) and hydrolysis reactions

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Define matter and elementsDescribe the interrelationship between protons, neutrons, and electronsCompare the ways in which electrons can be donated or shared between atomsExplain the ways in which naturally occurring elements combine to create molecules, cells, tissues, organ systems, and organisms

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Explain why carbon is important for lifeDescribe the role of functional groups in biological molecules

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Describe the properties of water that are critical to maintaining lifeExplain why water is an excellent solventProvide examples of water’s cohesive and adhesive propertiesDiscuss the role of acids, bases, and buffers in homeostasis

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Identify the shared characteristics of the natural sciencesSummarize the steps of the scientific methodCompare inductive reasoning with deductive reasoningDescribe the goals of basic science and applied science

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Identify and describe the properties of lifeDescribe the levels of organization among living thingsRecognize and interpret a phylogenetic treeList examples of different sub disciplines in biology

Includes the study of the gross and microscopic structure of the systems of the human body with special emphasis on the relationship between structure and function. Integrates anatomy and physiology of cells, tissues, organs, the systems of the human body, and mechanisms responsible for homeostasis.

Given the broad definition of biotechnology applications and products, it is easy to see how there is enormous overlap within the fields of cellular biology, microbiology, chemistry, and biomedical engineering. It is the goal of this textbook to provide foundational knowledge to begin building your biotechnology toolkit and enter an exciting career of making a difference through biotechnology.

This textbook first explores the fundamentals of laboratory science and biotechnology. Unit 1 begins with a dive into the foundation of biology and chemistry by asking what is life and what are the molecules of life? The end of the unit offers a primer into laboratory science; preparing solutions and operating basic lab equipment. Unit 2 brings readers through a vital tool of biomanufacturing, understanding the growth and control of microbes. Many biotechnology products are made by harnessing the work of microbes, and this unit explores this invisible and intriguing world of microorganisms. The final unit, molecular biotechnology, offers a more in-depth look at how biological molecules such as DNA and protein are manipulated into creating useful products.

This buzzing guide for naturalists introduces the young and the young at heart to bumble bees in Cape Breton. Through interactive quizzes, videos, and text, readers learn all about bumble bees in their community and discover what they can do to protect them.

Cells: Molecules and Mechanisms is a CC-licensed, open access textbook that can be effectively used as a resource in both introductory (underclassmen) and more advanced (upperclassmen) college cell and molecular biology courses. This book was written and designed for the student learning process, and is not designed to be an encyclopedic text. Rather, it is designed and written to communicate major themes as clearly as possible while providing enough advanced detail to serve as a springboard for higher-level students to delve into primary literature. This text is available in its entirety or in individual chapters as PDF files.

Cells: Molecules and Mechanisms is a CC-licensed, open access textbook that can be effectively used as a resource in both introductory (underclassmen) and more advanced (upperclassmen) college cell and molecular biology courses. This book was written and designed for the student learning process, and is not designed to be an encyclopedic text. Rather, it is designed and written to communicate major themes as clearly as possible while providing enough advanced detail to serve as a springboard for higher-level students to delve into primary literature. This text is available in its entirety or in individual chapters as PDF files.

This textbook was written for collegiate Cell and Molecular Biology courses and may be appropriate at both an introductory level and also as a resource for more advanced courses.