Biodisc CD-ROMS on Genetics

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

Our Genetics Educational CD-ROMs cover introductory genetics, natural selection, genetic disorders, transmission genetics, heredity and DNA.

G-1	INTRODUCTORY GENETICS (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 125
	This educational CD-ROM contains a complete genetics unit in 7 parts. Mendel's laws are simply explained: homozygous and heterozygous offspring, segregation, dominance and independent assortment. Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses are detailed with interactive Punnett square, probability activities, incomplete dominance, sex chromosomes, sex determination, linkage and carriers. Random mating simulation develops genotype and phenotype ratios. Inbreeding experimentation shows the probability of a harmful gene being expressed. There are two simulated breeding experiments for probability and inbreeding..
G-2	KARYOTYPES & GENETIC DISORDERS (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 78
	An interactive simulation and database provides a hands-on lab to explore human karyotypes and the genetic disorders that can be diagnosed with this technique. After learning how karyotypes are prepared and the major types of chromosome errors, students analyze an unknown karyotype, determine whether it is normal or not and then locate and identify chromosome anomalies. A database of genetic disorders with search options for type of disorder, chromosome error and symptom encourages further research.
G-3	NATURAL SELECTION (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 78
	Discover the relation between natural selection and genetics on this educational CD-ROM. Part 1) Effects of selection on gene frequencies due to lethal, recessive allele. Part 2) Evolution with color graphics of a classic case; phenotype frequency changes in a moth population. Part 3) Experiments on the effects of industrial pollution on a moth population. Students vary gene frequencies, pollution levels and number of generations with results displayed on data tables and graphs.
G-4	KANGASAURUS-TRANSMISSION GENETICS (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 88
	This educational CD-ROM provides a fascinating simulation in an open frame-work for discovering and mastering genetics concepts. Students design the genetic system for an imaginary "Kangasaurus" then manipulate variables, observe effects and predict the outcomes of crosses to test hypotheses. An option exists for computer setup of genetic system for students to solve. Extensive visual images are featured that enhance students' reasoning and help them to see new relationships. Variables include number of autosomes; sex chromosome system, gene type, locus and function, number of alleles, gene lethality, linkage and crossing over.
G-5	EXPLORING GENETICS AND HEREDITY (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 85
	Students learn the patterns of heredity with this engaging, interactive educational multimedia CD-ROM. Using art, photographs and photomicrographs, this program describes DNA structure, meiosis, mitosis and the composition and regulation of genetic material. Students will also study Mendel's work with inherited characteristics. A question mode is available to test comprehension and to reinforce the material in the programs with scores recorded in a class management system. A comprehensive index of this entire educational CD-ROM can be accessed from anywhere within the program.
G-6	DNA - THE MASTER MOLECULE (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 145
	Part 1 describes the structure and operation of the coded chromosome message that controls the organization of all life. Several of the features include building the DNA molecule from sugars, phosphates and the bases; transcription of mRNA; amino acid codes; protein synthesis via tRNA; mutations and simulation of their effects. There is extensive use of interaction and graphics. Part 2 includes the base sequences of two actual genes plus the option to enter a custom gene. Mutation by point, addition or deletion can be made to any part of the gene. Normal and mutated genes are then compared through DNA-promoter-RNA-amino acid sequence and protein fold structure.
G-7	CATLAB (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 110
	Catlab is an introductory genetics simulation on the mating of cats selected by color, pattern and tail presence. The basics of single gene traits are covered: dominant, recessive, incomplete, autosomal and sex-linked. Students will recognize genetic ratios, probability and the importance of sample size as offspring are generated. Skills are extended in planning crosses, predicting mating outcomes and interpreting experimental results. Students are given the opportunity to formulate genetic models, control variables, then test and revise hypotheses. This educational CD-ROM is specifically designed to help students understand and use the processes of scientific reasoning. Phenotypes are displayed with actual cat photos.
G-8	DNA - THE MOLECULE OF LIFE (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 120
	DNA can be a difficult subject, but with this educational CD-ROM the biology student is given a careful and thorough look at DNA. The program addresses the Avery, MacLeod and McCarthy Experiment on cell extracts and the discovery of DNA; Hershey and Chase Experiment; chemical makeup of DNA plus structure and DNA replication. Use of animated charts and diagrams, informative narration and comprehensive tutorials makes this difficult topic easy and entertaining.
G-9	INVESTIGATING HEREDITY (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 145
	Major topic categories in this educational program include: Gregor Mendel/Principles of heredity, Chromosomal Inheritance (including studies by Walter Sutton and Thomas Morgan), Patterns of Heredity, Genetic Disorders and Gene Therapy. An overview of Mendel's famous pea plant experiments are graphically displayed and fundamental heredity concepts are introduced. Special effects and animations are used to show the experiments performed by Thomas Hunt Morgan on fruit flies. Finally, the program provides a thorough examination of various human genetic disorders and captures the excitement of studying heredity while providing a comprehensive review.
G-10	MENDEL'S PRINCIPLES OF HEREDITY (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 165
	Interactive tutorials (with detailed illustrations), extensive feedback and plenty of practice using Punnett squares to predict outcomes, makes this program a valuable teaching resource. This interesting and informative presentation is full of impressive special effects and animations. Topics covered include: a biography on Mendel, Mendel's pure-breeding pea plant, self-fertilizing pea plants, the seven famous traits of Mendel's pea plants, Mendel's experiment on the inheritance of seed color, modern terms in genetics, heredity based in probabilities, Mendel's law of segregation, the Punnett square and Mendel's law of independent assortment.
G-11	INTERACTIVE MEIOSIS (Hybrid Win/Mac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 155
	Powerful special effects, animations, electron micrographs along with concise narratives describe in detail all essential aspects of meiosis. To assure student mastery of subject material, basic concepts of cell biology are reviewed prior to presenting more complex topics. The program examines the prokaryotic cell: genetic material within a eukaryotic cell including chromosomes, karyotype, homologous chromosomes, sex chromosomes and autosomes. Eukaryotic cell division is also studied: asexual versus sexual reproduction, sexual reproduction including fertilization, zygote, meiosis, diploid and haploid, meiosis I, meiosis II, nondisjunction, spermatogenesis and oogenesis.
G-12	EXPLORING BIOLOGY CAREERS (Hybrid WinMac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 155
	Careers in the major fields of biology are examined: Genetic Engineer, Human Geneticist, Medicinal Microbiologist, Soil Microbiologist, Dentist, Pharmacologist, Plant Physiologist, Forester, Veterinarian, Wildlife Biologist, Environmental Biologist, Field Biologist, Paleobiologist, Museum Curator and Biological Consultant.
G-13	GENETIC ENGINEERING (Hybrid WinMac Educational CD-ROM)	$ 155
	Learn about the remarkable ability to manipulate DNA and transfer genes between different organisms. A graphic examination of procedures for transferring a human insulin gene to bacteria guides students into a thorough understanding of the techniques and processes of gene manipulation and transfer. Topics include: (1) DNA Composition and its Function as Genetic Material, (2) The Use of Natural Variation in Genes for Selective Breeding, (3) Changes in Genes Through Mutation, (4) A Step by Step Guide Through the Experimental Process of Genetic Engineering, (5) Examples of Modern Genetic Engineering in Microbes, Plants and Animals, (6) The Applications of Genetic Engineering in Medicine and Gene Therapy.