Organelles and Origins

Synopsis

Discusses how various organelles of a cell interact to form a working whole, using the chloroplast of plant cells to illustrate the process. Shows methods for isolating metabolically active chloroplasts from plant cells. Chloroplasts are seen to be semi-independent units capable of synthesising at least some of their own proteins. The major protein in these organelles is rubisco, an enzyme involved in photosynthesis. Curiously, the manufacture and assembly of this particular protein requires a close interplay between both chloroplast and nucleus within the cell. This interdependence can be understood by studying the evolutionary origin of chloroplasts.

Series

Biology: Form and Function, Course S203

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 24 min.

Year of production

1991

Availability

Off-air recording licence
Sale; 1998 sale: £145.00 (+VAT +p&p)

Subjects

Biology

Keywords

cells; chloroplasts; enzymes; organelles; photosynthesis

Credits

Producer

Rissa de la Paz

Cast

Julie Berry

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web

http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

+44 (0) 1908 274066

Address

Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

Notes

NB. As of May 2016 Open University Worldwide are no longer distributing DVDs. They have posted this message on their website: ‘Unfortunately Open University Worldwide Limited has decided that product sales are no longer viable given the reduced funding to Higher Education institutions and diminishing demand for the products we have traditionally stocked. At present the Open University Students Association (OUSA) will continue to sell the "Good Study Guide", and we are in discussion with other possible distributors to continue to make The Open University’s products available for purchase. As soon as we have any information on other channels of distribution we will update this notice’. Some products are still available via second hand dealers on Amazon.co.uk