Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (Brewer's Yeast)
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A 6 page overview of the yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Describes the organism as one which has been utilized by man for over one-thousand years. Typical uses include not only that as a leavening for bread and fermentation for liquor, however, but also experimental utilization in many biochemical and genetic investigations. Comments on the factors which influence the growth and reproduction of this organism in its natural environment and in the laboratory. Bibliography lists 7 sources.
Filename: PPyeast.wps

Sensory Perception: Physiological Biases from Past Experiences and their Relations to Cultural and Racial Biases
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An 8 page overview of the physiological basis of our perceptions. Discusses the phenomenon of phantom limbs in depth and relates this phenomenon to neurological processes and the structure of the brain itself. Suggests that given the number of physiological processes which can lead to false perceptions it difficult to trust even our own bodily perceptions. Extends this thought to a discussion of racial and cultural prejudices, of ingroups verses outgroups. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Filename: PPsensor.wps

Sexual Mimicry
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This 11 page paper provides an overview of the basic elements of sexual mimicry in animal populations. This paper outlines the way in which some animals achieve genetic (reproductive) success by 'pretending' to be the opposite sex. Further, this paper also describes examples and analyzes the dynamics of this phenomenon, including when this 'skill' is beneficial. Bibliography lists 10 sources.
Filename: MHmimicr.wps

The Effects of Antibiotics on Bacterial Growth
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A 5 page discussion of bacterial growth in the presence of antibiotics. Examines how bacterial growth is dependent on a number of their physiological mechanisms such as enzymes, proteins, and even the communication of one organism with another in a phenomenon referred to as quorum sensing. Emphasizes that it is critical to continue our quest to understand the specifics of how antibiotics influence bacterial growth. By improving our understanding and concentrating on developing antibiotics which only work on specific intracellular functions of bacteria we have a higher chance of improving the long-term health not only of human populations but also of those populations of plants and animals upon which we depend. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: PPantibi2.wps

The Endocrine System
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A 10 page overview of the endocrine system. Includes specific information on the Ovary (follicle and corpus luteum), Testis, Pancreas, Adrenal glands (medulla and cortex), Thymus, Parathyroid gland, Thyroid, Posterior pituitary gland, Anterior pituitary gland, Hypothalamus and the Pineal gland as well as on their function, hormones, and regulators. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: Endsys.wps

The Evolution of Teeth
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A 10 page outline of the evolution of teeth from the lower vertebrates to more advanced species such as man. Describes the origin of jaw structure and structures such as conodonts (minute toothlike structures) which were the precursors of advanced teeth. Outlines the further evolution of these teeth in the higher mammals with the appearance of features like the hypocone which expanded the grinding surface of teeth and resulted in an explosion of mammal species some forty thousand years ago. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Filename: PPevTeth.wps

The Game of Chess and Cognitive Development
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A 7 page discussion of the importance of chess. Chess is much more than a game. It can be contended, in fact, that chess can be of benefit to cognitive development and learning. Cognitive learning is the process in which knowledge is acquired. It involves an individual being cognizant of his or her environment and gaining knowledge from that environment. This involves both thinking and problem solving which in turn results in memory formation and learning. In order to learn how to play chess an individual must be able to both form memories and to learn how to correctly plan their moves. Chess is instrumental in both the physiology of this development as well as in the social aspects of cognitive development. Bibliography lists 20 sources.
Filename: PPcogDev.wps

The Genetic Pathway and Developmental Evolution
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A 7 page discussion of genetic pathways, specifically the direction of the orderly expression of specific gene subsets, a process which is controlled by tissue-specific transcription factors. Specific DNA target sequences are bound by these transcription factors and, in turn, interact with one another on either a cooperative basis or an antagonistic basis to control expression of the gene subsets. This interaction is aided as well by extracellular signaling molecules which both control and are controlled by the transcription factors. Ties these basic observations together with a review of research on species as diverse as Drosophila melanogaster and zebrafish. An additional 2 pages are appended on this paper which identify several references which could be applicable in an expanded review of this subject. Bibliography lists 13 sources.
Filename: PPgenePt.wps