• Regarding the background necessary for this class:

If you're still wondering if you have the background necessary to do well in this class, have another look at this diagrammatic image of a cell (another, that is, if we got to it in class). Without using a lot of cell-specific vocabulary, can you describe the basic functions of its parts? How it is the basic unit of tissues? And a plant cell.

Now look at a molecular model of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Again, without worrying about details, are you comfortable with the presentation as far as identifying where the atoms and bonds are? Where are the covalent bonds? What are double bonds? And what about Figure 1.9 on page 10 of Tamarin? Where are the carbon atomes in the 5-sided ring structures?

Didn't take Math 055? Can you multiply 3/4 x 3/4 x 1/2? Yeah? What'd you get? Then, if p = 0.3 and q = 0.7, what are p², 2 pq, and q²? And if p + q = 1, will the sum of p², 2pq, and q² always be equal to one?

If you have any question at all about the suitability of this class for you, be certain to get in touch with me as soon as you can.

• Now, if you're interested in reading more about genetics and circadium rhythms, here's an interesting site that discusses some recent research into the physiological basis of these rhythms.

And as for one kind of plant circadium rhythm, have a look at the videos at this site, and this one.

If you've ever wondered how these rhythms might affect daily ebbs and flows of human biology and psychology, have a look here. Ever suffered from jet-lag?

• Here's the site for the person who is investigating how plants adapt to serpentine soils.

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