Cancer Nanotech

This interactive slideshow adapted from NOVA scienceNOW shows some of the nanoscale structures that scientists are using in the experimental diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer.

Cell Membrane: Just Passing Through

This interactive feature describes some of the most important structures and functions of the cell membrane.

Cell Transcription and Translation

In this interactive activity adapted from the University of Nebraska, learn how and where transcription and translation occur within a cell and observe both processes in detail.

DNA Workshop

How does DNA perform those all-important functions of replication and protein synthesis? This interactive feature from the A Science Odyssey Web site will help you explore and understand the secrets of DNA.

Electron Transport Chain

This illustration from Biology by Kenneth R. Miller and Joseph Levine describes the steps of the electron transport chain, the second stage in the process of cellular respiration.

The Embryo Takes Shape

This video segment from NOVA: "Life's Greatest Miracle" explores the developmental process of an embryo beginning just two weeks after fertilization.

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Explore a Stretch of Code

Try your hand at reading a segment of genetic code in this interactive feature from the NOVA "Cracking the Code of Life" Web site.

Finding Cures Is Hard

This video segment from NOVA: "Cracking the Code of Life" explains the difficulty of curing genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis.

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From DNA to Protein

This narrated animation schematically shows the process of protein synthesis. Adapted from Interactive NOVA: "Secret of Life."

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Gene Control

The development of creatures that appear to have nothing in common is directed by a surprisingly small number of genes. In this video segment, learn about the power of master control genes. Footage from The Secret of Life: "Birth, Sex & Death."

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Genetics: Tour of the Basics

In this interactive activity from the University of Utah, identify different kinds of genetic traits and how they are passed on from generation to generation. View examples of simple and complex trait inheritance.

Growing Bacterial Cultures

This animation produced by WGBH and Digizyme, Inc. demonstrates the techniques researchers use to isolate transformed bacteria and expand their population in order to obtain large quantities of a protein of interest.

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HIV Immunity

Although repeatedly exposed to HIV, Steve Crohn's blood cells were never infected. Dr. David Ho investigates in this video segment from NOVA: "Surviving AIDS."

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How Cancer Cells Grow and Divide

This animation from NOVA: "Battle in the War on Cancer: Breast Cancer" describes how oncogenes cause cancer and how cancerous cells can spread throughout the body.

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How DNA Replicates

This narrated animation from Interactive NOVA: "The Secret of Life" illustrates DNA replication.

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How Do Cells Make Proteins?

In this interactive activity from the Exploratorium, explore the steps of protein synthesis in which the cells use genes to make proteins for critical body functions.

How to Conquer a Genetic Disease

In Blazing a Genetic Trail, by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, follow this three-step approach to treating genetic diseases.

Human Genome Project

This video segment from NOVA: "Cracking the Code of Life" looks at the meaning and significance of the effort to decode the human genome.

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Is Lactic Acid a Four Letter Word?

This essay by Patti and Warren Finke describes the process by which our bodies transform food energy into energy that our cells can use.

Journey into DNA

Travel deep into the human body to see exactly where your DNA resides. From the NOVA: "Cracking the Code of Life" Web site.