Biodisc CD-ROMS on Bio-Chemistry

Biodisc offers over 90 educational biology CD-ROMs for teaching concepts in cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, anatomy, ecology, oceanography, anthropology and archaeology.

Explorations of photosynthesis, osmosis, enzymes, cellular transport, cellular respiration and proteins are found in the Biochemistry Educational CD-ROMs.

B-1	ENZYME INVESTIGATIONS (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 88
	Learn how organisms control the key chemical reactions vital for life. Protein structure of enzymes, their catalytic activities and conditions necessary for operation are all covered. Simulated experiments allow students to vary pH, temperature and substrate concentration to see their effects on enzyme activity. The 'Digestion Factory Game' requires students to select the proper enzymes for digestion as food travels through the human digestive system.
B-2	INTERACTIVE ENZYMES (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 140
	The biological importance of enzymes becomes apparent as this program reveals how enzymes work to sustain life. Extensive use of special effects and animations are used to clarify concepts, while interactive tutorials reinforce understanding. This program examines: functions of enzymes in living cells, chemical reactions, catalysts, substrates, energy of activation, enzyme structure, lock-and-key model and induced fit model. Factors affecting enzyme activity are examined: temperature, pH, enzyme concentration, substrate concentration, cofactors, competitive inhibitors and cooperativity. Interactive tutorials reinforce understanding.
B-3	OSMOSIS LAB (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 88
	Action graphics of this high-resolution simulation examine the vital life process of osmosis. Students control system variables such as concentrations, temperature, membrane pore size, plus molecule size and charge. Hypotonic, isotonic and hypertonic solutions are illustrated along with cytolysis and plasmolysis. Many experiments can be run quickly to test student hypotheses, providing valuable insight into the scientific method. Quiz and lab activities are included in this educational CD-ROM.
B-4	PHOTOSYNTHESIS (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 155
	Conversion of light energy, by plants, into chemical energy is examined. Topics include: 1) roles of carbon dioxide, water, oxygen, glucose, 2) light energy, waves, wavelengths, visible light spectrum, photons, 3) pigments, (including chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids and chloroplasts), 4) chemical reactions for photosynthesis, light reactions (including photosystems I and II), electron transport chains, generation of ATP and NADPR, dark reactions and the Calvin Cycle. Information is presented in a logical, step-by-step manner while animations show photosystems and other essential processes in action. Dynamic tutorials reinforce the concepts shown in the presentation.
B-5	THE PLASMA MEMBRANE AND CELLULAR TRANSPORT (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 110
	Students are introduced to the structure and function of the membrane that surrounds a cell. Through an impressive array of models, animations, photographs and accompanying narratives, this educational CD-ROM explains such topics as the fluid-mosaic model of a plasma membrane, Brownian motion, diffusion, osmosis and active transport. The disc features a pre-test, post-test and a 'hands on' section with interactive tutorial exercises that reinforce concepts covered in the presentation. An extensive online glossary enables students to define unfamiliar terms instantly.
B-6	BIOCHEMISTRY: THE CHEMISTRY OF LIVING THINGS (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 155
	Learn the basics of biochemistry through the use of colorful molecular models, animations, photographs and narratives. The program covers atoms, elements, molecules, chemical bonds, chemical formulas, essential inorganic and organic compounds (water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids). Students may instantly access an online glossary of terms. The interactive tutorial exercises challenge students and reinforce concepts introduced in the presentation.
B-7	INTERACTIVE CELLULAR RESPIRATION (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 155
	With this program, students will gain insight into the vital biological process of converting food into a source of energy that can be used by the cell. Eye-catching animations and special effects depict important processes that take place during cellular respiration. With diagrams, photographs and electron micrographs, this program examines: ATP, ADP, oxidation-reduction reactions, glycolysis, anaerobic respiration, lactate fermentation, alcoholic fermentation, aerobic respiration, mitochondria, formation of acetyl CoA from pyruvic acid, the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain.
B-8	FROM DNA TO PROTEIN (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 140
	Introduce students to the fascinating process by which DNA is transcribed and translated into proteins. Through use of vivid diagrams, animations, photographs and narratives, this program clearly explains the 'one gene-one polypeptide' hypothesis, the structures of DNA and RNA and processes involved in transcription and translation. This educational CD-ROM includes a pre-test, post-test, interactive tutorial exercises and an online glossary of terms that can be accessed instantly at any stage in the program.
B-9	ORIGIN OF LIFE (Specify Mac or Windows Educational CD-ROM)	$ 75
	With this innovative simulation, students investigate the very beginnings of the process of chemical evolution. By experimenting with atmospheric composition, temperature, ultraviolet light and electrical energy, students determine the environment most likely to promote the formation of the chemical building blocks needed for the development of life. Many experiments can be quickly and easily performed to test and refine students hypotheses. The excitement of scientific investigation and discovery is experienced.