Minimum requirements: Macintosh: 68040 processor running System 7.0 or better; 16 MB RAM; 4x or better CD‐ROM drive; color monitor displaying 8‐bit at 640x480 resolution. PC/Windows: 486 processor (Pentium recommended); Windows 3.1 or better; 16 MB RAM; 4x or better CD‐ROM drive; Super VGA monitor, sound card recommended.
Cells & Genes is an interactive, multimedia program designed to help students understand introductory biology. It runs from the CD‐ROM and can be copied to a hard drive for faster execution. The program consists of four sections:
The INDEX contains over 1000 entries with emphasis on genetics, cell biology, and related areas. One searches the Index by typing a word or word root. Once a word is chosen, the result screen displays a definition of the term and a picture or chemical structure with descriptive notes. This area also includes self‐test questions.
The TEXTBOOK section contains selections from nine Biology texts, including those by Raven & Johnson; Mader; and Campbell, Mitchell, and Reece. The review area includes a discussion of the topic and pictures of the structure with descriptions. Usually there are multiple views available. The program also includes movies describing various functions of the concept being reviewed (e.g. a time‐lapse view of a fiberblast growing on a glass cover slip). Some of these films have voice‐overs. All have accompanying text explaining the process being depicted. At the bottom of most screens is a list of related words. These words are hyperlinked to the appropriate sections in the corresponding book.
The THOUGHT PROBLEMS section contains problems from genetics and cell biology to further enhance the learning experience. Topics covered include genetics, DNA, cells and organalles, and nuclear division. Once the problem is presented, the user can ask for a hint or the correct answer. Answers are not entered into the program.
The MINICOURSE option contains materials on genetics and gene expressions, cancer and genetic diseases, and the cell. Sample course topics are the dihybrid cross, human genetic diseases, protein sorting and transport, and the cell cycle.
The only documentation that comes with the program is found on the back of the CD‐ ROM. Here, the user gets very brief examples of how to use each section. For the most part, these instructions are sufficient. It did take me a while to figure out how to return to a lesson after having chosen to navigate to a related word listing, though. Online help is minimal also.
Cells & Genes is an excellent program. The same metaphor is used for all screens, making the program easy to navigate. From any screen, the user can move to any other section by clicking on an icon. The pictures are excellent; and the movies are clear and well done. The text is well written; and the presentation of the material is well paced. The only real problem I have is with a small, animated character that scurries across the bottom of the screen during study sessions. I found this little nymph distracting and annoying. I would prefer the option of turning it off. [Editor’s note: This icon has been eliminated in the Mona Group’s second CD: Understand! Biology: Molecules, Cells and Genes which builds upon Cells & Genes which we plan to review in a future issue.] The THOUGHT PROBLEMS section uses the metaphor of a carnival horse race to move from one question to the next (move the horse ahead to go to the next question or to skip a question). This is cute but doesn’t really add anything to the experience. Overall, I recommend this program highly for study and review in the area of cells and genes.
