CABIOS SOFTWARE REVIEWS
Abstract
Educational computer software provides a complementary means of enhancing student comprehension when it takes advantage of the ability of graphics oriented programs to add animation and dimensionality to the material presented. The program, 'Photosynthesis, The Light Reaction' presents an overview of the chemistry, biochemistry and biology of the photosynthetic process, touching on several levels of complexity. The development and sequence of concepts presented by the program is well thought out, providing a logical evolution of the descriptions presented. The incorporation of a clear presentation of the experimental basis for our understanding of the basic chemical events of the process is particularly attractive. This forcibly emphasizes the link between the text and the laboratory bench which too often is glossed over. The existence of light and dark reactions, based on experiment, is also clearly presented. However, the animation illustrating the relationship of the light and dark reactions is a little confusing since the ATP and NADPH appear magically when the photon is received and disappear (apparently into sugar) when the dark reaction occurs. The cycling of the products ADP, P, and NADP might be shown or at least an indication of their formation. In the absence of this visual