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Homeostasis, 2004.
An introduction to the process of homeostasis, a self-regulating process whereby equilibrium is achieved between various organs or segments of an organic system, such as the human body.
1,435 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper explains the basic process of homeostasis, with a look at the crucial role it plays in the maintenance of the complex sequence of biochemical activities that occur within organisms. The paper also explains the functions of cell membranes in the process of homeostasis, different forms of homeostasis, and what happens when the process is disrupted.
From the Paper
"Homeostasis has also been formally defined by many scientists in different ways, perhaps most accurately as the ?maintenance of a stable internal environment? whether in a cell or in the organism as a whole (MSNucleus, 2004). Homeostasis is in essence equivalent to a state of equilibrium. Much like balanced scales, homeostasis ensures that too much nor too little exists at any point in time within organisms. When a state of imbalance occurs, the scale tips unfavorably to one side or the other. Homeostasis works via establishment and maintenance of the internal chemical balance of cells, whether they are in a human life form or a botanical one. Homeostasis is crucial to maintenance of the complex sequence of biochemical activities that occur within organisms, traditionally during the process of energy utilization (MSNucleus, 2004)."
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Killer Whales, 2004.
The paper provides overview of the orcinus orca and argues that killer whales are not harmful to humans.
1,945 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a brief overview of the biological classification, diet, distribution, and social behavior of the mammalian, orcinus orca. The research also outlines the factors that are responsible for the decline in orcinus orca population around the world today. Special emphasis has been given to resident orcinus orca so as to demystify the concept that orcas are lethal to fishermen and, hence, should be targeted for hunting.
From the Paper
"PCBs or polychlorinated hydrocarbons via toxic waste dumps, oil spills and industrial and human refuse pollution are the main culprit for the high levels of toxicity in killer whales. Killer whales are predators at the top level of the food chain but any toxic pollution would accumulate in high levels as we move up the food chain. The pollutants cause tissue contamination and infertility as well as a high probability of epizootic disease."
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Evolution, 2004.
An overview of some of the more popular terms in the field of evolution.
746 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper presents explanations of several terms relating to evolution. Some of these terms include population, biological species, genotypes and phenotypes, Darwinian fitness, and convergent evolution and coevolution.
From the Paper
"The ?biological species? concept does not consider physical appearance as an important criterion for classifying species but reproductive isolation is considered a main factor. In other words biological species refers to the broad group or population of individuals, which can successfully interbreed, and produce offsprings while at the same time are reproductively isolated from other populations in the natural environment. [UCMP]"
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Kin Selection, 2004.
Examines altruism in nature within the context of W.D. Hamilton's theory of "Kin Selection".
3,600 words (approx. 14.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 100.95
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Abstract
The organization and functioning of human and animal societies has long been the subject of intense investigations by natural scientists, sociologists, and geneticists. Darwin, who laid the foundation for a modern theory of evolution, suggested ?kin selection? as an explanation for the existence of sterile females, the worker caste, in social insects like ants, bees, and termites. This paper examines a later theory presented by W.D. Hamilton, who mathematically perceived his 'Theory of Kin Selection', showing it as a mechanism for the evolution of such apparently altruistic sterile castes.
From the Paper
"Like any other genetic trait, altruism will evolve only if it is passed on from generation to generation in a proportion greater than alternative alleles for non-altruism. Hamilton has described the conditions under which an allele for altruism will have higher frequency of occurrence and, therefore, evolve. He states these conditions in a formula: br ? c > 0 or b x r > c where b, stands for ?benefit?, and refers to the enhanced reproductive benefit gained by recipient of altruism; r refers to the chance that the aided individual carries the same gene for altruism; c stands for ?cost?, to the altruist in terms of the number of offspring the altruist could have had if it had not been an altruist. Hamilton?s formula leads to the concept that in a randomly mating and out breeding diploid population, an individual should sacrifice itself in order to save? two siblings, four nephews or eight cousins? since siblings share 50% of the individual?s genes, nephews 25% and cousins 12.5%."
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Alcoa and the U.S. Government, 2004.
Examines the case between aluminum producer, Alcoa, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
1,862 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper begins with a brief history and some background information on the Alcoa company and then explains the reasons for the legal case brought against it by the EPA. The paper also points the connection between former Alcoa CEO, Paul O'Neill, and the Bush Administration and how this relationship helped Alcoa achieve a favorable ruling in the EPA's case against the company. Additionally, the paper describes the conclusion to the legal case, discusses Alcoa's strategies for winning the legal battle, and presents an analysis of the entire issue as well.
Company Basics
Company History in Brief
The Arena of Conflict
The Issue
The Conclusion of Case
Alcoa's Strategies
Analysis
From the Paper
"Alcoa is the leading global producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina. It is active in virtually all aspects of the aluminum industry, serving aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation, and industrial markets. It promotes itself as a single source for design, engineering, production and other fabrication-related operations. In addition to serving those industries listed above, it also produces and markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap?, Alcoa? wheels, and Baco? household wraps. It has also branched out into other businesses including vinyl siding, closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks."
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Nutrigenomics, 2004.
A discussion of nutrigenomics, the field of study concerned with determining whether certain foods will affect the gene expression pattern of key genes that affect the metabolism or the genetic tendency towards certain disease.
3,225 words (approx. 12.9 pages), 13 sources, APA, $ 92.95
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Abstract
This paper first defines nutrigenomics and then goes on to explain the basic tenet of nutrigenomics, looks at its historical roots, and discuss some of the weaknesses, as well as the promises of this field of study.
From the Paper
"Nutrigenomics is an important field of study. It finds its roots in modern times, because of the direct relation to advances in science and technology. Nutrigenomics also straddles the nature versus nurture divide. The publication of the relatively preliminary results of the Human Genome has given greater impetus to the idea of Nutrigenomics. One might assuredly say that the publication of the Human Genome is preliminary because the current versions of the genome are merely representatives of a very select group of individuals. (Lander et al., 2001; Venter et al., 2001) What makes individuals unique of course is the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs. It is these SNPs that give each of us our individuality. Hence each individual's genome is his or her genotype. A genotype is an individual's genome?the genetic coding that identifies the character traits that govern existence. In the context of Nutrigenomics, a genotype is the identification of genetic makeup that codes a person's proclivities to diseases and how this code reexpreses with the environment, specifically the diet. Directly related to a person's genotype is how this encoded information translates into how a person lives."
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Careers in Biology, 2004.
A look at the advantages of obtaining a degree in biology.
943 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how training in biology provides biology majors with a wide variety of potential career options and how the choice of potential careers is wide, even within a specific area of biology. It looks at how the choice of potential employers is wide and includes federal and government agencies, as well as agriculture and pharmaceuticals and other private and public industries. It also discusses how the amount of education required depends largely upon a specific career choice. Choosing a career in biology is about matching a wide number of factors, including personal ethics, salary, and personal interests.
From the Paper
"Biologists often face a number of ethical concerns that may drive their career choices (Winter and Belikoff). The use of animals in medical research is an ethical problem for many would-be scientists, as are ethically charged issues like human cloning and stem cell research. Biology careers focusing on wildlife conservation and related areas face many environmental issues. Careers in the pharmaceutical industry often bring up ethical issues surrounding drug cost and availability. For example, drug companies have been criticized for not making expensive AIDs treatments available to individuals in Africa for little or no cost."
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The Relationship between Biological and Psychological Systems, 2004.
Discusses the debate regarding human personality and whether it is determined biologically or psychologically.
1,628 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper explores several questions on human nature regarding the long-standing nature vs. nurture debate. The paper examines the pro-nurture position, the beliefs of several well-known philosophers regarding the nature versus nurture question, the implications of the Human Genome Project, and the conclusions of several studies conducted on the link between genetics and the environment.
From the Paper
"The pro-nature side holds that learning or knowledge acquisition, in particular, is in itself a kind of genetic information that is pre-determined by natural selection (Csongradi 2004). Some of the knowledge a person gains may come from interactions or functionally, but what is genetically established will also change or influence the person?s experiences. What he learns about the world from the family, school, religion and society in general is something natural and only reinforced over time. This is demonstrated by studies on the pack behavior of animals that grew out of the best chances of procreation and this understanding of the world enhanced both group and individual survival (Csongradi). As in other illustrations, this animal behavior favored the survival of offspring and perpetuated genes that would guarantee that survival. Studies of highly gifted autistic patients also showed that a person can develop extraordinary artistic or scientific talents without requiring nurture."
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At the Zoo, 2004.
This paper discusses animal species, the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) and the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) and plant species, the Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) and the Prickly Pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa), observed at the local zoo.
2,430 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, through the physical characteristics and the behavior of a creature, it is possible to determine a great deal about how that creature interacts with its habitat and learn about the evolutionary processes that have brought this plant or animal to its current form. The author points out that wolves adjust well to fluctuations in prey populations by supplementing the meat and fish with various forms of vegetation; some wolves have even been known to live on a largely vegetarian diet for extended periods. The paper explains that the Prickly Pear, one of the most common of the cactus family that natively grow in the Eastern parts of the United States, are remarkably resistant to both the cold and to the heat.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
The American Black Bear (Ursus americanus)
The Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia humifusa)
The Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
From the Paper
"I observed two species of the Oputina cactus: the Eastern Prickly Pear (Opuntia humifusa) and the Plains Prickly Pear (Opuntia macrorhiza). The Eastern Prickly Pear is found naturally east of the Great Plains in the United States, and into southern Ontario in Canada. The Plains Prickly Pear is found all throughout the Great Plains in the United States, except the northernmost areas, such as North Dakota. The Prickly Pear tends to grow in sandy or rocky soil. In a natural setting, many of the habitats of these four species would overlap, and they would be found in situations where they would be interacting with each other as parts of the same ecological system."
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Stem Cells, 2004.
This paper discusses one of the most controversial topics of popular discourse, stem cell research.
2,055 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that stem cells intended for use in human applications are harvested from humans, umbilical cords, and embryos, and are so valuable because they are master cells with the capability to produce or ?become? any other cell type. The author points out that the reason for the discourse surrounding the topic of stem cells is the fact that the most promising source of stem cells is human fetal tissue; thus, many who hold anti-abortion views find this practice to be highly immoral and repugnant. The paper relates that the problem with umbilical cord stem cells is the small amount that can be harvested from any particular cord; adult stem cells, which pale in comparison to the ability of embryonic cells to differentiate into specialized cells, can be used for research.
From the Paper
"Of course, most people know the origin of human life begins with the sperm fertilizing the egg. After this, a single cell is created that holds all of the genetic information needed to form the entire human body. This cell divides and redivides over several days until these cells (known as totipotent, or as having ?total potential?) begin to specialize into the formation known as the ?blastocyst,? which has a hollow sphere of cells, and a cluster of inner cells (the inner cell mass). While the outer cells of this blastocyst proceed to form the placenta, the cells within the inner cell mass go on to form virtually all of the tissues and organs of the human body. It is these cells that are harvested to research stem cells."
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Prokaryotes, 2004.
This paper discusses desiccation tolerance in prokaryotes.
3,600 words (approx. 14.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 100.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that prokaryotes, organisms that make up the microbial world, are deficient of internal unit membranes and are self-sufficient cells or organisms; the best-known prokaryotic organisms are the bacteria. The author states that cell-bound water is evaporated through air-drying, and subsequent addition of water to air-dried cells is the process through which the prokaryotes have been formed. This procedure of air-drying is called desiccation. The paper relates that the age-old belief of existence of life everywhere there is liquid water on earth, irrespective of physical conditions, has been negated by the desiccation tolerance in microbes.
From the Paper
"Since they do not affect cellular structure and functions the solutes are said to be compatible. The molecules in them are similar to that of the compounds said earlier which stabilizes proteins by preferential exclusion. A causal relationship between increasing concentrations of these compatible solutes and improved stress tolerance is evident from enrichment through external addition or through molecular genetic methods. To increase the water absorption capability of cells their absolute concentration is sometimes found inadequate. For safeguarding macro molecules in organisms against moderate water loss preferential exclusion, therefore, seems to be the prominent mechanism. It is essential to have preferential exclusion in order to counteract the concentration of destabilizing molecules in cells during water loss to inhibit denaturation of proteins and membrane fusion."
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Human Cloning.
This paper discusses the ethical arguments for and against human cloning.
2,765 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 82.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, historically, many great medical advancements, such as anesthesia and heart transplantation, were fiercely rejected by many bio-conservative moralists, but now have gained acceptance. The author points out that people who disagree with human cloning believe the idea runs contradictory to the evolutionary need to retain a basic level of genetic variety and the variety in nature created by God. The paper stresses that human cloning could lead to situations where a completely new form of genetic and psychological counseling would become a necessity.
From the Paper
"A significant advantage suggested out of cloning is that it is a therapy for childlessness. The reasons for sterility are by genetic defects, wounds to the reproductive organs, hereditary defects and contact to poisonous material and waves. Sterile people can have an advanced possibility of success by human cloning. Many people are not sterile, as they cannot produce feasible gametes. For cloning technology a feasible sperm or egg is not required, any body cell will do. This technology will be able to avoid faulty gametes and permits sterile people to have their own biological children. By cloning technology, suicide, separation, clinical gloominess among sterile people can be stopped. The ideal gene treatment is likely by cloning technology, the real alteration or substitution of flawed gene series."
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