Core biology: microbiology and genetics
No biological sciences have more promise for the future of mankind than genetics and microbiology. Microbiology, which includes genetics, is the story of understanding how the cell works. All life is cellular life ... All animal and plant tissue is ...
Eye of the cyclops: backyard biodiversity
The microexplorers discover that gardens support a community that includes herbivorous and predatory insects, pollinating insects, and a giant earthworm. They get a look at the animal's internal physiology.
Eye of the cyclops: food chains begin with photosynthesis
In this episode, a single algae cell is rescued, and its green secrets are revealed through experiments performed on board the Cyclops. The micro-explorers discover how algae start the food chains that ultimately sustain the fish, birds, amphibians,...
Eye of the cyclops: decomposers everywhere
Settling their craft into the bottom, the micro-explorers discover that the bottom ooze is populated by bacteria, the microbes that break down and recycle organic materials - an unforgettable visual introduction to the concept of organic decompositi...
Eye of the cyclops: protozoans and algae : food for all
Cruising through the weedy shallows, the crew is amazed at the diversity of protozoans swimming by the observation ports. Through careful observation they discover how these amazing single cells feed, reproduce, and escape.
Eye of the cyclops: white water adventure
Trying to return to their pond base, the microexplorers are channeled into the pond outlet, where they tumble into a rapidly flowing stream and discover a world of aquatic insects adapted for life in flowing water, even waterfalls.
Eye of the cyclops: predators of the shallows
While engrossed in observing the food capturing and feeding methods used by Planaria, a flatworm, the tentacles of Hydra trap the Cyclops crew where they receive a hands-on lesson in the process of digestion.
Eye of the cyclops: plankton play
Cyclops and its intrepid crew of explorers encounter the denizens of the plankton: micro-crustaceans, insects, rotifers, and protists, organisms with unique adaptations for open water life.
Eye of the cyclops: discovering a forest microcosm
The microexplorers are channeled into the pond outlet, where they tumble into a rapidly flowing stream and discover a world of aquatic insects adapted for life in flowing water.
Branches on the tree of life: the biology of viruses
This program examines the discovery of viruses and their structure, how viruses are studied, how they infect their hosts and how they replicate. Details are provided on the T-4 bacteriophage and retroviruses such as HIV.