BIO205 - Microbiology

Humans and Bacteria

This program presents the human body as a complex ecosystem of bacteria, then examines each portion of the body, which bacteria live there, and why. The three major bacterial groups—sphere-shaped cocci, rods, and helical spiro- chetes, and spirilla—are examined. Their behavior when interacting within the body is explored. The life and death of obligate aerobes, facultative anaerobes, and obligate anaerobes are described. A discussion of factors that encourage bacterial growth leads to specific information on which bacteria cause certain conditions, and how infection can be avoided. (41 minutes)

1. Bacteria Colonize the Human Body  5m
2. Bacterial Structure  1m 51s
3. Bacterial Genetics  1m 23s
4. Bacterial Structure and Function  4m 29s
5. Bacterial Structure & Function: Motility  1m 5s
6. Bacterial Propagation  5m 50s
7. Bacteria in the Nutrient Cycle 2m 39s
8. Human Body as an Ecosystem  3m 38s
9. Impact of Bacterial Flora on Humans  2m 7s
10. Bacterial Imbalance: Acne 5m 17s
11. Bacterial Imbalance: Vaginitis  2m 32s
12. Bacterial Imbalance: Tooth Decay 2m 55s

Molecular Biology

This program shows the various types of gene reproduction and examines the gene responsible for blood clotting. The production of coded proteins is clearly demonstrated. The processes of gel filtration, protein sequence analysis, isolation of mRNA, DNA synthesis and reproduction, production and screening of a DNA bank, and hybridization, along with other demonstrations, are re-created through highly sophisticated computer animation. (42 minutes)

Proteins

Proteins, the essential biochemical foundation of the cell, fulfill a variety of tasks within the human body. This program provides insights into their structure and several of their functions, including their role in catalytic bio-chemical reaction and reproduction. How proteins recognize the "packaging" of smaller molecules is explored. Using a photosynthetic protein—a proton pump—as an example, excellent computer simulation shows the proteins at work, moving an atom through the system. (37 minutes)

Free Radicals

Free radicals are an important weapon in the immune system, but they can also cause chemical reactions that lead to damage of fatty acids, DNA mutation, and protein destruction. This program examines how the most important radicals are created, and how they work. The relationship between chain reactions of radicals within the body and conditions such as arteriosclerosis is examined. How the antioxidants alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, and vitamin C protect the body from damage is demonstrated through computer animation. Connections between free-radical production and cancer, heart attack, stroke, and cataracts are suggested. (31 minutes)

Cancer and Metastasis

This program studies the biological processes by which the body reproduces cancerous tumors, and summarizes the results of current research. The various steps of metastasis are clearly demonstrated in film and computer animation. A film segment of real human tissue shows tumor cells moving in a regulated manner under the direction of "leader cells." Computer animation illustrates how a normal cell becomes cancerous. Treatments under development for the prevention of metastasis in certain cancers are summarized. (39 minutes)

Oncogenes

This program discusses how the chemical alteration of oncogenes in, human cells causes the growth of cancerous tumors. Toxic sub-stances, radiation, viruses, and inherited genetic defects are examined as factors causing such alteration. The mechanisms by which the altered forms overrule normal cell regulation are illustrated through microscope views and computer animation. Specific information is provided on cell cycle, cell division, growth factors, receptors, protein kinase, phosphatase, G-proteins, transduction processes, src-, ras-, andraf-oncogenes, and signal transduction. (33 minutes)

Viruses

Viruses are the simplest forms of life so primitive in biological terms that for some years the scientific community debated whether they should even be regarded as living organisms. This program examines how viruses, though incapable of reproducing outside of living cells, have developed refined strategies for reconfiguring the host organism into one that serves exclusively as a virus breeder. Sophisticated computer graphics and microscopy allow viewers to watch as these resourceful parasites seek out, damage, or kill the invaded host. (33 minutes)