. . . g o i n g o n e s t e p f u r t h e r
169
Sof tware
Heredity and Genetics of Man, Part II
Introduction to the principles of molecular genetics. The focus lies on the application of new tech-
niques in medical genetics and in genetic counselling. Furthermore, subject matters such as popula-
tion genetics, mutations, imprinting, blood group systems and appearance of tumours will be dis-
cussed. Subject matters in the last section include principles of genetic counselling and prenatal
diagnostics, biopsy of chorionic villi, amniocentesis (foetal blood sampling). Reasons for seeking ge-
netic counselling, effects of damaging to the foetus, risk calculation, consanguinity, genetics of behav-
iour, and many examples derived from findings in research on twins and the genetic trees of trait
bearers. New, extraordinarily high quality images facilitate visual instruction, while detailed accom-
panying texts place this series at the highest level of modern teaching standards.
9982-1004284
Cytology and Molecular Biology
In cytology and molecular biology, cell nuclei and chromosomes are important structures. Their role
in cellular activity, their function and importance in heredity and cell division, as well as aspects of
molecular biology will all be discussed. This CD offers a wide range of images and text covering the
multiple types of nuclei and chromosomes, including images of mitosis and polyploidy. Typical ani-
mal cell and typical plant cell. Living nuclei, nuclear forms and functions. Giant chromosomes. Poly-
ploid nuclei. Fine structure of cell nucleus. Structure of chromosomes. Mitosis. Individuality of chro-
mosomes. Chromosome structure, gene location (loci), reduction division, crossover and chiasmata,
gene expansion and arrangement, replication. Proving the material structure of the gene. Structural
properties of DNA. Identical replication as a cause of hereditary constancy. DNA, RNA and protein syn-
thesis as causes of character formation. Genetic code and molecular mechanisms in mutations. Didac-
tic guiding concepts: relations between structure and function on the molecular level. Explanation of
genetic observations through molecular properties and reactions. The findings illustrated through the
hypotheses, methods and experiments that led to those findings.
9982-1004287
Mendelian Laws, Modification and Mutation
In order to establish the fact that heredity is governed by laws, it is necessary to mate living beings
that exhibit certain differences from each other. The first experiments in this regard were performed
by Augustinian priest Gregor Mendel in the 1860’s on the garden of his monastery in Brünn. He
crossed different strains of peas and kept track of hereditary transmission of particular characteristics
in hundreds of plants over a number of generations. He thus found significant number rules and
could thereby gain fundamental insights into the nature of heredity. The term “variability” groups all
those alterations in living beings that, on account of not being hereditary, fall within the category of
“modificability”. By contrast, alterations that can be passed on through heredity all called mutations.
There is no doubt that changes in the hereditary makeup, i.e. mutations, made evolution possible in
the first place.
9982-1004290
The Wonder of the Animal Cell
The cell is the basic element of all living organisms. In unicellular organisms, a single cell performs all
those vital processes for which multicellular organisms have developed specialized cells: muscle cells
can contract, glandular cells secrete substances, sensory cells perceive stimuli and transform them
into impulses, nerve cells conduct impulses, connective tissue cells produce an intercellular sub-
stance, red blood cells transport oxygen, white blood cells fight pathogens, sex cells insure reproduc-
tion and propagation of species. The multiplication of cells results from their division. To increase
their effectiveness, cells form tissues. Different tissues work together to perform certain tasks and
thereby form an organ. This CD introduces in a graphically clear manner into the variety of cells and
tissues occurring in the animal and human body.
9982-1004289
The World of Insects
With over 1 million species, arthropods are by far the largest animal group on this planet. They in-
clude insects, spiders, millipedes and crustaceans. They share such characteristics as segmented legs
and a hard external skeleton made of chitin, which encloses the entire body like an armour and
serves both as protection and support. Many microscope enthusiasts started their hobby observing
small insects and insect parts. That is easy to understand, considering that insects are ubiquitous and
easy to catch. This CD reveals the enormous variety of insects and their fine structures using selected
examples.
9982-1004291
