Suggested topics:

You are not limited to the topics listed here. If there is another topic which interests you and which you would like to explore further for a paper, please contact me for approval before you begin writing your paper. The units referred to here are from the study guide.

Unit 8.
a) The specific metabolic effects of and the dangers of misuse of anabolic steroids.
b) The role of the pineal gland in “winter blues.”
c) The discovery and functions of appetite control hormones ghrelin and leptin.

Unit 9.
a) The role of the bacteria, Helicobacter pylorii, in gastric ulcers.
b) The effects of cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL’s), and low density lipoproteins (LDL’s) on health and well-being
c) Are any of the popular weight loss diets wise or effective? Explain why or why not.
d) Discuss the benefits and the dangers of genetically modified foods.
e) Discuss the structure, sources, and dangers of trans-fats in the diet. Should they be illegal?

Unit 10.
a) Describe specifically the effects of smoking on the respiratory system and on other parts of the body.
b) Cystic fibrosis. Explain what this disease is and how it affects the respiratory system.
c) Compare and contrast the bird’s respiratory system with that of a mammal.

Unit 11.
a) Roles of B and T lymphocytes in the immune response. Include an explanation of how vaccinations can protect you from infectious disease.
b) Describe what arteriosclerosis is and explain how it leads to cardiovascular disease.
c) Describe what counter-current blood flow is and explain its importance in at least three specific examples, e.g., fish gills and flamingo legs.

Unit 12.
a) Kidney dialysis. Describe briefly what it entails and when and why it is used.
b) Discuss the production of the hormones ADH and aldosterone and describe their roles in human osmoregulation.

Unit 13.
b) Describe the biological and physiological effects of two of these on the brain and the nervous system: alcohol, barbiturates, amphetamines, marijuana, cocaine.
c) What are phantom limbs and what causes this phenomenon?
d) What is the blood-brain barrier? How was it discovered? What is its function?

Unit 14.
a) Choose two of these sexually transmitted diseases and explain the effects and the possible long term consequences of the disease on the male and the female: genital warts, herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydial infection.
b) Explain the effect of a pregnant woman’s health and diet on the fetus.
c) Discuss the benefits of estrogen for women and the possible hazards that may be involved in taking estrogen supplements for women after menopause. (Note that this also includes removal of ovaries before menopause, resulting in surgical menopause.)

Unit 15.
a) Describe the composition of soil, including both the living and nonliving components. In your description, describe what kind of soil is best for most plants.
b) Describe transpiration, including its functions, its benefits for a plant, and its potential harmful effects, if any, for a plant.
c) Explain the process of vegetative propagation in plants and describe the practical uses of this process in agriculture, in fruit orchards, and in any other areas in which it is applicable.

Unit 16.
a) Describe the importance of plants in the ecosystem OTHER than their role as producers. This should include their role in soil holding, in the water cycle, in temperature, and in any other area in which they are involved.
b) Define and discuss bioremediation, stating its benefits over other types of environmental cleanup, and describe several examples of how this process has already been used.
c) Discuss the topic of global warming and describe steps that can be taken to avoid it.