I haven't studied any biology for 7 years. Where should I start again and where are the best websites?

Question

I havejust found to my horror I can't remember anything about mitochondria can anyone help?

Answer 1

Go to http://www.charleszaremba.com Username: pyruvate password: stanley. This site has all you need to know about biology.

Answer 2

I suggest you call or go to the top universities in biology in your area, go to or call their bookstores and ask-see the name and author of the basic bio major's intro to biology textbook, the freshman class for bio majors. If a University text is too high level, there are good community colleges that use a little watered down texts for non majors. Then you can buy a used copy. Most publishers of these texts also have websites that go with the text AND list HUGE numbers of links for misc topics at the end of each chapter. Getting a current text is important. since changes in bio texts in molecular biology and cell physiology are always being added. The price of these texts is HEFTY, so try to get a used one with no later than 2005 copyright. This book can be next to your bed and you can read part of a chapter every night. I still find many websites not too rellable as far as accuracy is concerned, but basic univ text books are reliable MOST of the time.

Mitochondria are typically "sausage shaped" organelles and are called the "power houses" of the eucaryotic cell. They are the sites of both anaerobic (glycolysis) and aerobic respiration (Krebs Cycle or Citric acid cycle), where glucose is broken down or decomposed (catabolism) into smaller inorganic molecules (releasing CO2 and H2O and heat) and in the process makes energy rich ATP for millions of cell activities, especially the active transport of molecules across cell mbns. (aerobic resp is 18 x more efficient in its production of ATP than anaerobic) The mitochondria are dbl layered organelles, smooth outer mbn and wavy inner mbn that helps divide the inside of the mitochondrion up, forming the stroma liquid and cristae shelves. These are the sites of different parts of cell respiration chemical reactions. Mitochondrial DNA has been in the news a lot as of late, especially since mDNA found in bones is also used to ID parentage, esp since it carries the maternal DNA. With the discovery of mDNA there are theories about mitochondria possibly being prior independent cells who them became endosymbionts and then became permanant residents inside the eucaryotic cell. The number of mitochondria per cell is based on the oxygen needs of that cell-tissue type. Skeletal muscle has a lot since muscles do so much work, but cartilage cells don't. Immature mitochondria can be not as sausage shaped as the more mature ones.

I am sure this can get you started on mitochondria at least, get your memory reactivated a little. I am not sure what level of depth you need-want. This is very elementary and introductory what I wrote!

Answer 3

Bitesize is a good place to remind yourself of basics, which is easy enough to search for. CGP aren't on the internet apart for past exam papers, but the CGP books (in WHSmiths, maybe internet to buy, etc.) have got me an A* in my exams, even with rubbish teachers.
Good luck!

Answer 4

Buy Teach yourself series in Biology,Books and CDs.There after you read the books if they are still there.You need require ony refreshing memmory.It may not be difficult.Try.Good Luck

Answer 5

Check out this textbook by Campbell.