Explorations in Basic Biology is a self-contained laboratory manual designed for one- or two-semester introductory biology courses for non-biology and mixed biology majors. The exercises are appropriate for three-hour laboratory sessions, but are also adaptable to a two-hour laboratory format.

Ideal for students with little hands-on science laboratory experience, this student-friendly text provides clear background information and directions for conducting laboratory activities. Students not only learn basic biological information but also gain experience practicing laboratory techniques.

Table of Contents

Part I: Fundamentals

Exercise 1: Orientation

Exercise 2: The Microscope

Part II: Cell Biology

Exercise 3: The Cell

Exercise 4: Chemical Aspects

Exercise 5: Diffusion and Osmosis

Exercise 6: Enzymes

Exercise 7: Photosynthesis

Exercise 8: Cellular Respiration and Fermentation

Exercise 9: Cell Division

Part III: Diversity of Organisms

Exercise 10: Prokaryotes and Protists

Exercise 11: Green, Brown and Red Algae

Exercise 12: Fungi

Exercise 13: Terrestrial Plants

Exercise 14: Simple Animals

Exercise 15: Mollusks, Segmented Worms and Arthropods

Exercise 16: Echinoderms and Chordates

Part IV: Animal Biology

Exercise 17: Dissection of the Frog

Exercise 18: Dissection of the Fetal Pig

Exercise 19: Blood and Circulation

Exercise 20: Gas Exchange

Exercise 21: Digestion

Exercise 22: Excretion

Exercise 23: Neural Control

Exercise 24: Sensory Perception in Humans

Exercise 25: Chemical Control in Animals

Exercise 26: The Skeletal System

Exercise 27: Muscles and Movement

Exercise 28: Reproduction in Vertebrates

Exercise 29: Fertilization and Development

Exercise 30: Early Embryology of the Chick

Exercise 31: Structure of Flowering Plants

Exercise 32: Transport in Plants

Exercise 33: Chemical Control in Plants

Exercise 34: Heredity

Exercise 35: Molecular and Chromosomal Genetics

Exercise 36: DNA Fingerprinting

Exercise 37: Evolution

Exercise 38: Evolutionary Mechanisms

Exercise 39: Ecological Relationships

Exercise 40: Population Growth

Exercise 41: Animal Behavior

Appendix A. Common Prefixes, Suffixes, and Root Words

Appendix B. Common Metric Units and Temperature Conversions

Appendix C. Oil-Immersion Technique

Appendix D. Classification of Organisms