In this cluster of articles, students investigate aspects of plant biology and behaviour including chloroplast genes and how they have helped biologists understand plant evolution; how plants monitor the intensity, direction, colour and duration of the light they receive and if attacked by herbivores or pathogens...

In this biochemistry-based activity students consider why many industrial chemical reactions are being catalysed by enzymes. They find out about an important coenzyme, NADH and act in role as industrial chemists by evaluating the different ways of recycling it.

A Catalyst article describing how glow worms and other insects emit light by bioluminescence. All over the world, on land and in the sea, living things have been making light for millions of years. From the glow of the sea on a dark night due to myriads of phytoplankton, to the dance of the male fireflies trying to...

These resources can be used as a context to look at 14-16 and post-16 biology curriculum areas of:

• vision and the eye

• structure and function of the retina

• development and use of biomaterials

• tissue transplants and stem cells in the treatment of human disorders

• working...

Biomedical Horizons is a multi-pronged project, funded by the Wellcome Trust, designed to raise awareness and spark discussion about the biomedical sciences – from pursuing a career to their role within society.

The aim of this resource is to:
* raise awareness of biomedical sciences and the variety...

This unit introduces students to the different types of biometrics and how they can be used to identify an individual. It highlights how data derived from the measurement of individuals' biological characteristics can be used positively, but also how the collection, control, use and potential misuse of biometric...

A Catalyst article describing how new materials can be designed by studying natural materials and how they work. In particular the development of Velcro, military fabric, swimwear and waterproofing is looked at. These products were developed by scientific study of natural products such as plant burrs, pinecones,...

This Catalyst article investigates biomimetics and discovers how scientists are finding ways of copying ideas from nature to improve products. The article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science Review 2015, Volume 26, Issue...

A Catalyst article looking at the use of plant cells to generate electricity via photosynthesis. This branch of science is called biophotovoltaics. The Sun is the ultimate source of energy for almost all life on Earth and harnessing this energy is one of the great scientific and technological challenges....

From the National Non-Food Crops Centre, this factsheet illustrates the benefits of using bioplastics, their production, properties and uses. The attraction of bioplastics is they deliver environmental benefits even when they aren’t biodegradable. Durables like polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE)...

From the National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFCC), these two podcasts explore a range of applications and issues in the biorenewables sector. They are primarily aimed at a commercial audience but may be of use to teachers who want to gain a better understanding of plant-derived materials or, when used in part, as...

This poster illustrates how biotechnology is used to develop new medicines, grow new tissues and organs, and genetic testing.

This Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) resource gives examples of how research is helping in the battle against disease-causing bacteria and offering new opportunities to use beneficial bacteria in agricultural, food, pharmaceutical and other industries. The resource is suitable for...

This collection of resources from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) contains materials for enhancing the teaching of biological science and 'how science works' in primary and secondary schools. BBSRC is one of seven Research Councils sponsored through the Department for Innovation,...

A cluster of practical activities for students to explore biotechnology involving viability of yeast, fruit juice production, milk products, fungal inhibition and microbial growth curves.