Chapter 6, Episode 26

This episode discusses the unique ways bacteria evolve through DNA. They transfer genetic material horizontally, within the same generation, and the processes by which this is accomplished are discussed in the episode.

Chapter 6, Episode 25

This episode introduces the operon, and discusses how bacterial cells control gene expression. The lac operon is discussed in detail as an example of the ways bacteria conserve energy and only make proteins when they are necessary for survival.

Chapter 6, Episode 24

This episode is a continuation of the central dogma, focusing on the process of translation and how ribosomes create proteins from messenger RNA.

Chapter 6, Episode 23

This episode introduces the central dogma and the genetic code. We'll discuss how cells create protein from genes, and point out the differences in the process of transcription between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.

Chapter 6, Episode 22

In this episode we'll discuss the process of DNA replication and point out the subtle differences between linear chromosomes and circular chromosomes and how they are replicated. We'll also cover the important enzymes involved in this process, and how proofreading prevents mutations.

Chapter 6, Episode 21

In this episode, we'll review the DNA molecule in detail, talk about how chromosomes are organized in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and discuss how this organization sets cells up for replication.

Chapter 5, Episode 20

In this episode we finish the chapter on eukaryotes by discussing algae, protozoa and helminths. We review the life cycle of Plasmodium, the protozoa that causes malaria, and cover the different classifications of helminths.

Chapter 5, Episode 19

In this episode we explore the characteristics of microorganisms belonging to the kingdom of fungi. What makes them unique, what their morphologies are, the similarities between fungal cells and human cells, and the differences between fungal cells and bacteria. We also briefly touch on mycoses, the fungal pathogens, and end the episode with the benefits of fungi to humans and to our environment.

Chapter 5, Episode 18

This episode introduces the Endosymbiotic Theory and explains how complex eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotic ancestors. We briefly review the major groups of microbial eukaryotes and highlight the structural features, including mitochondria, chloroplasts, and membrane-bound organelles, that distinguish them from bacteria and influence how we treat eukaryotic pathogens.

Chapter 4, Episode 17

This episode examines the internal structures of bacteria, including chromosomes, plasmids, ribosomes, and the powerful survival strategy of endospore formation. We also compare bacteria to archaea and introduce Bergey’s Manual as a tool for microbial identification in clinical and lab settings.