Library Guides: Biology: Finding Websites

Evaulating Websites

The internet contains a lot of great information but not all of it is accurate. Since anyone can publish anything on the web it is sometime difficult to know if a website contains factual information. Print sources, such as books and journals go through a peer review or editing process meaning that the information found using them is often more reliable.

Use our guide as a starting point to help evaluate a website’s credibility.

Biology Websites

Steps of the Scientific Method
The scientific method is a process for experimentation that is used to explore observations and answer questions.
Inside A Cell
See the parts of a cell in action.
Cell Size and Scale
How big are cells compared with other objects, molecules, and atoms?
Structure of the plasma membrane
The plasma membrane not only defines the borders of the cell, but also allows the cell to interact with its environment in a controlled way. Cells must be able to exclude, take in, and excrete various substances, all in specific amounts. In addition, they must able to communicate with other cells, identifying themselves and sharing information.
Cell membrane
The cell membrane is a protective covering that acts as a barrier between the inner and outer environment of a cell (in animals). In plant cells, the membrane encapsulates the protoplasm. This organelle is also referred to as plasma membrane.
Cell Metabolism
A cell's daily operations are accomplished through the biochemical reactions that take place within the cell. Reactions are turned on and off or sped up and slowed down according to the cell's immediate needs and overall functions. At any given time, the numerous pathways involved in building up and breaking down cellular components must be monitored and balanced in a coordinated fashion. To achieve this goal, cells organize reactions into various enzyme-powered pathways.
Cell Respiration
Cellular respiration is the process by which the chemical energy of "food" molecules is released and partially captured in the form of ATP. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins can all be used as fuels in cellular respiration, but glucose is most commonly used as an example to examine the reactions and pathways involved.
Photosynthetic Cells
Cells get nutrients from their environment, but where do those nutrients come from? Virtually all organic material on Earth has been produced by cells that convert energy from the Sun into energy-containing macromolecules. This process, called photosynthesis, is essential to the global carbon cycle and organisms that conduct photosynthesis represent the lowest level in most food chains.
Cell Cycle and Cell Division
The study of the cell cycle focuses on mechanisms that regulate the timing and frequency of DNA duplication and cell division. As a biological concept, the cell cycle is defined as the period between successive divisions of a cell. During this period, the contents of the cell must be accurately replicated.
The Cell Cycle, Mitosis and Meiosis
Actively dividing eukaryote cells pass through a series of stages known collectively as the cell cycle: two gap phases (G1 and G2); an S (for synthesis) phase, in which the genetic material is duplicated; and an M phase, in which mitosis partitions the genetic material and the cell divides.
What is Darwin's Theory of Evolution?
The theory of evolution by natural selection, first formulated in Darwin's book "On the Origin of Species" in 1859, is the process by which organisms change over time as a result of changes in heritable physical or behavioral traits. Changes that allow an organism to better adapt to its environment will help it survive and have more offspring.

Gregor Mendel and the Principles of Inheritance
Ever wonder why you are the only one in your family with your grandfather's nose? The way in which traits are passed from one generation to the next-and sometimes skip generations-was first explained by Gregor Mendel.
Mendel's First Law of Genetics
Genetic analysis predates Gregor Mendel, but Mendel's laws form the theoretical basis of our understanding of the genetics of inheritance.
Probability of Inheritance
The value of studying genetics is in understanding how we can predict the likelihood of inheriting particular traits. This can help plant and animal breeders in developing varieties that have more desirable qualities. It can also help people explain and predict patterns of inheritance in family lines.
Inheritance of Traits by Offspring Follows Predictable Rules
Genes come in different varieties, called alleles. Somatic cells contain two alleles for every gene, with one allele provided by each parent of an organism. Often, it is impossible to determine which two alleles of a gene are present within an organism's chromosomes based solely on the outward appearance of that organism. However, an allele that is hidden, or not expressed by an organism, can still be passed on to that organism's offspring and expressed in a later generation.
Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms
The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) created the Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms to help everyone understand the terms and concepts used in genetic research. In addition to definitions, specialists in the field of genetics share their descriptions of terms, and many terms include images, animation and links to related terms.

American Institute of Biological Sciences
The American Institute of Biological Sciences is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) scientific association dedicated to advancing biological research and education for the welfare of society. AIBS works to ensure that the public, legislators, funders, and the community of biologists have access to and use information that will guide them in making informed decisions about matters that require biological knowledge.
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB)
Members seek to advance health and well-being by promoting research and education in biological and biomedical sciences through collaborative advocacy and service to our societies and their members.
American Chemical Society
Founded in 1876 and chartered by the U.S. Congress, we are the world’s largest scientific society. Our mission is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and its people. Our vision is to improve people’s lives through the transforming power of chemistry.
American Association for Clinical Chemistry
The American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) is a global scientific and medical professional organization dedicated to clinical laboratory science and its application to healthcare. Our leadership in education, advocacy and collaboration helps lab professionals adapt to change and do what they do best: provide vital insight and guidance so patients get the care they need.
Genetics Society of America
GSA’s mission is to deepen our understanding of the living world by advancing the field of genetics.
American Association for the Advancement of Science
The American Association for the Advancement of Science is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of all people.

Laboratory Safety Guidance Booklet
OSHA 3404/48 pgs.
Laboratory Safety: Autoclaves/Sterilizers Quick Facts
OSHA 3405
Laboratory Safety: Biosafety Cabinets (BSCs) Fact Sheet
OSHA FS-3460
Laboratory Safety: Centrifuges Quick Facts
OSHA 3406
Laboratory Safety: Chemical Fume Hoods Quick Facts
OSHA 3407
Laboratory Safety: Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) Fact Sheet
OSHA FS-3461
Laboratory Safety: Cryogens and Dry Ice Quick Facts
OSHA 3408
Laboratory Safety: Electrical Hazards Quick Facts
OSHA 3409
Laboratory Safety: Labeling and Transfer of Chemicals Quick Facts
OSHA 3410
Laboratory Safety: Latex Allergy Quick Facts
OSHA 3411
Laboratory Safety: Noise Fact Sheet
OSHA FS-3463
Laboratory Safety: Working with Small Animals Quick Facts
OSHA 3412

24x7
24×7 Magazine provides in-depth coverage of the healthcare technology management (HTM) field—and reaches roughly 17,000 key decision makers and influencers. As the voice of the HTM field, 24×7 Magazine delivers cutting-edge editorial about the products and services that shape the industry.
Forensic Magazine