Plant Biology

From the sponge to the giraffe, from mosses to redwoods, this program examines the similarities and differences between the denizens of the animal and plant kingdoms. Distinctive characteristics of plants and animals, including physical structure, methods of reproduction, and life cycle, as well as where they find their food and how they interact with other organisms are discussed. Vivid images underscore the diversity of the phyla, classes, and species within these two kingdoms. A Cambridge Educational Production. (28 minutes)

As the world's population and overall standard of living continue to increase, the growing demand for food, fuel, and consumer products has reached unprecedented levels. This program examines how biotechnology is helping to meet those needs through genetic engineering to increase crop yields and improve the nutritional value of key staple foods; animal agriculture, founded on selective breeding and edging toward lab-based genetic engineering; and industrial applications of biotech in the manufacturing of chemicals, textiles, beverages, and fuel. Commentary is provided by Steve Pueppke and Len Fleck, of Michigan State University; Farzaneh Teymouri and Susanne Kleff, of MBI International; Jeanne Orhnberger, of Genetics Squared; and Bob Forgey, of ProNAi Therapeutics. A Films for the Humanities & Sciences Production. (28 minutes)

We may not recognize the plants and animals our children eat. But the real issue is whether the power of the gene will be wisely used, or will it be diverted to the personal ends of those seeking financial profit or political power? Biotechnology is all that stands between a burgeoning world population and starvation. Already, ordinary milking cows are a disappearing species, plants are genetically matched to growing conditions, and plants are being engineered to kill the caterpillars that attack them. This program shows how this is done and explains its benefits, while warning of the dangers inherent in this and other efforts to alter natural evolution. (24 minutes)

This ABC News program begins with an overview of the controversial new type of crop hybridization known as genetic modification, exploring why the technology has panicked European consumers and has left many American farmers with mixed feelings. Then, correspondent John Donvan moderates a vigorous discussion between Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman; Val Giddings, Vice President of Food and Agriculture at the Biotechnology Industry Organization; and vociferous anti-biotechnology activist Jeremy Rifkin, who debate the value of government and industry testing and the need for package labeling. (22 minutes)

What are these alien life forms living among us? They're...plants! This video investigates the major differences-and some striking similarities-between plants and animals in the areas of what they consume, how they breathe, and how they reproduce. Plant evolution, cell structure, the photosynthesis/respiration cycle, flowering and non-flowering plants, and sexual and asexual reproduction are covered. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. Correlates to National Academy of Sciences National Science Education Standards and the American Association for the Advancement of Science Benchmarks for Science Literacy. A Cambridge Educational Production. (17 minutes)

This outstanding two-part series enters the exotic world of plants to introduce three of its most fascinating groups: anthophytes, bryophytes, and lichens. Each ten-minute segment-five per program-beautifully blends core scientific information with remarkable photography to create a memorable educational experience. 2-part series, 51 minutes each.

Divided into five targeted ten-minute segments, this engaging program uses microscopic imaging, time-lapse photography, cut-aways and dissections, laboratory experimentation and fieldwork, computer modeling, and graphing to shed light on the intricate lifecycles of anthophytes. Segments include Photosynthesis and Respiration," "The Role of Flowers," "From Pollination to Fertilization," "Spreading Seeds," and "Plants That Move." The issue of global warming is also considered. (51 minutes)"

While the debate over genetically modified foods is far from settled, a growing number of food producers are taking a GM-friendly approach. This program presents arguments in favor of GM technology and suggests ways in which it can boost crop yields and reduce global hunger. Presented by Jim Doherty, a long-time advocate for sustainable agriculture in the U.K., the program travels to Bavaria, Argentina, Uganda, and Pennsylvania as it depicts vast GM farming operations in action. Barley, soy, and other modified crops are studied, while Doherty makes the case that all farming is, in essence, the scientific alteration of wild plant strains. Original BBC broadcast title: Jimmy's GM Food Fight. (52 minutes)