Cambridge International AS Level Biology

Recommended resources
Chapter 5
Further reading
Alberts, B. et al. (2013) Essential Cell Biology, 4th edn. Garland Science.
■■ Chapter 5: ‘DNA and Chromosomes’ including ‘Chromosome coiling’, an animation showing how
nucleosomes are formed as DNA is packaged into chromatin.
■■ Chapter 18: ‘The Cell Division Cycle’ including ‘Plant cell division’ and ‘Animal cell division’,
which are narrated videos of actual plant and animal cells dividing. They are very clear.
‘Mitotic spindle’ Mitotic spindle is a striking picture of the mitotic spindle of a human cell taken
using fluorescence microscopy.
Available at: www.garlandscience.com/ECB4-students.

Online and interactive resources

www.hhmi.org/biointeractive
BioInteractive is a free resource for teachers and students, including animations, short films and
apps. (HHMI in the web address refers to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.)
www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/dna-packaging
This page has an animation showing how DNA is packaged into chromosomes, including the
formation of nucleosomes and chromatin. Mitosis is also shown.
www.sciberbrain.org
www.sciberbrain.org/advanced-level
The Biochemical Society has set up a special website for education. There is an advanced-level
animated presentation on stem cells, covering concepts such as potency. A lower-level presentation
(standard level) is also available for a gentler introduction.
http://cellpics.cimr.cam.ac.uk
More information on stem cells and mitosis is available from this site.
www.bbsrc.ac.uk/stemcellsresource
Stem Cells: Science and Ethics (3rd edn) is a popular booklet on the science of stem cells and a
consideration of the legal and ethical issues of research using stem cells. It contains classroom
activities and discussion questions. Hard copies are available on request.
www.mrc.ac.uk/Utilities/Documentrecord/index.htm?d=MRC003374
Stem Cells: MRC Research for Lifelong Health is a booklet focusing on Medical Research Council
(MRC)-funded research into stem cells, including their potential for repairing damaged body tissues.
It also discusses ethical issues. Download from the MRC website either by using the direct link given,
or by doing a search using the booklet’s title. A hard copy is also available the MRC.
www.abpischools.org.uk/lib/liPoster/412/stem%20cell.pdf
A clear and attractive poster on stem cell research, produced by the Association of British
Pharmaceutical Societies (ABPI).
www.johnkyrk.com
John Kyrk’s website has an animation on mitosis.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology © Cambridge University Press 2014