An Introduction to Virtual Cell's Educational Animations

In addition to Virtual Cell's online game modules, animations have been developed to introduce students to new concepts. By walking through the still images and movies included for each topic, viewers can easily choose between either studying a specific step from one of the processes or taking a more immersive look at the process in it's entirety.

In order to better serve all levels of educational interest, each topic is being offered with a choice between two approaches:

-- First Look - An introductory level explanation of each topic and its animation. Intended for students in a general biology class at the freshman college level.

-- Advanced Look - An in-depth look at the information covered by each animation. Intended to be of use for advanced biology students from the baccalaureate to graduate level.

 

NOTE: As the number of animations in the collection grows, a description of the each of the category headings to the left, as well as a list of the animations grouped under them, will be found here. Currently, a description of each completed animation can be found below. Clicking on the included link or thumbnail image will direct you to the introduction page for each animation topic.

Transcription describes the process in which mRNA is produced. This section covers the creation of mRNA, as well as the factors leading up to its production. More detail...		Translation is the process in which ribosomes translate a strand of mRNA into a protein. This section covers the steps leading up to the creation of such a protein. More detail...
The lac operon refers to the gene responsible for digesting lactose molecules in a bacterial cell. This section covers the activation and function of this gene. More detail...		Once translated, proteins are dispersed throughout the cellular environment. This section covers the transport of a protein into a specific organelle--the mitochondria. More detail...

In addition to the above animations, we also have two VRML-based simulations on-line. They are currently being recreated in the same manner as our other animations, and will feature a higher level of detail and structural accuracy when they are completed. For the moment, however, these animations are only available in the VRML 3-D format.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants gain most of their energy. This section covers the process from light interaction through energy production. More detail...		Cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondria and provides both animals and plants with the energy needed to power other cellular processes. This section covers the electron transport chain. More detail...