Rene Fester Kratz

Rene Fester Kratz, PhD is a Biology instructor at Everett Community College. As a member of the North Cascades and Olympic Science Partnership, she worked to develop science curricula that are in alignment with research on human learning.

Articles & Books From Rene Fester Kratz

Cheat Sheet / Updated 11-13-2024
Botany is the study of plants. Plants are very similar to people in a lot of ways, but they also have some differences that can be hard to wrap your brain around. And, like any science class, botany can get a little overwhelming at times. So, here are a few items to help you grasp some of the big ideas in botany.
Botany For Dummies
Harvest basic botany knowledge from this abundant book Botany For Dummies gives you a thorough overview of the fundamentals of botany, but in simple terms that anyone can understand. Great for supplementing your botany coursework or brushing up before an exam, this book covers plant evolution, the structure and function of plant cells, and plant identification.
Cheat Sheet / Updated 11-21-2023
Genetics is a complex field with lots of details to keep straight. But when you get a handle on some key terms and concepts, including the structure of DNA and the laws of inheritance, you can start putting the pieces together for a better understanding of genetics.The scientific language of geneticsFrom chromosomes to DNA to dominant and recessive alleles, learning the language of genetics is equivalent to learning the subject itself.
Article / Updated 07-05-2023
Plant cells communicate with each other via messengers called hormones, chemical signals produced by cells that act on target cells to control their growth or development. Plant hormones control many of the plant behaviors you’re used to seeing, such as the ripening of fruit, the growth of shoots upward and roots downward, the growth of plants toward the light, the dropping of leaves in the fall, and the growth and flowering of plants at particular times of the year.
Article / Updated 05-04-2023
Recombinant DNA technology can be controversial. People, including scientists, worry about the ethical, legal, and environmental consequences of altering the DNA code of organisms: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that contain genes from a different organism are currently used in agriculture, but some people are concerned about the following potential impacts on wild organisms and on small farms: Genetically modified plants may interbreed with wild species, transferring genes for pesticide resistance to weeds.
Cheat Sheet / Updated 12-23-2022
Biology is the study of the living world. All living things share certain common properties: They are made of cells that contain DNA. They maintain order inside their cells and bodies. They regulate their systems. They respond to signals in the environment. They transfer energy between themselves and their environment.
Article / Updated 08-10-2022
The eukaryotic cells of animals, plants, fungi, and microscopic creatures called protists have many similarities in structure and function. They have the structures common to all cells: a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes. All eukaryotic organisms contain cells that have a nucleus, organelles, and many internal membranes.
Article / Updated 08-10-2022
All eukaryotic cells have organelles, a nucleus, and many internal membranes. These components divide the eukaryotic cell into sections, with each specializing in different functions. Each function is vital to the cell's life. The plasma membrane is made of phospholipids and protein and serves as the selective boundary of the cell.
Biology Workbook For Dummies
Get a feel for biology with hands-on activities Biology Workbook For Dummies is a practical resource that provides you with activities to help you better understand concepts in biology. Covering all the topics required in high school and college biology classes, this workbook gives you the confidence you need to ace the test and get the grade you need.
Cheat Sheet / Updated 06-01-2022
Biology is the study of life, from tiny bacteria to giant redwood trees to human beings. Understanding biology begins with knowing some of the basics, such as eukaryotic cell structure and common Latin and Greek roots that will help you decipher the sometimes-tough vocabulary.Biology basics: Important components of eukaryotic cellsFor biology students, knowing the components of eukaryotic cells and how they work is fundamental to understanding how organisms function.