<p>Hello! At this point in time, the AP Biology Exam is 78 days away. In light of this and threads that have already been created for at least one other AP course, it is best to begin an open question-and-answer dialogue to reaffirm the concepts that we have learned up to this instant. </p>
<p>I should state that it is best to focus your questions on a specific concept as to not overburden the individual responding and to promote relatively frequent replies.</p>
<p>Also, do not feel absolutely obligated to answer a question; commentary is perfectly fine. Please feel free to reflect on your personal experiences in the course or any outlooks, insights, or additional comments that you may have.</p>
<p>ATP is the molecule that provides energy for cellular processes with three high energy phosphate bonds. It can be used in muscular contraction, active transport and the creation of ATP itself during cell respiration.</p>
<p>What are the type of typical bonds present between atoms? (sort of a chemistry question but its covered in AP Bio)</p>
<p>[ul] [li]Ionic: Bonds formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another - the result of differences in electronegativities between two atoms[/li][li]Covalent: Bonds formed when electrons are “shared”[/li][list][li]Nonpolar Covalent: Electrons are shared equally (such as a chlorine (Cl2) molecule)[/li][li]Polar Covalent: Electrons are not shared equally (such as a water (H2O) molecule)[/ul][/li][*]Hydrogen: Weak bonds between molecules - occurs when a positively charged and covalently bonded hydrogen molecule is attracted to a negatively charged and covalently bonded portion on another molecule [/list]</p>
<p>“Describe the different types and functions of proteins.” </p>
<ol>
<li>Enzymes; rate of chemical rxns</li>
<li>Structural; like collagen, provides structure and support to tissues</li>
<li>Storage; like ovalbumin in egg whites</li>
<li>Defensive; like antibodies to protect an organism from disease or infection</li>
<li>Transport; move molecules</li>
</ol>
<p>What makes water a good substance for life?</p>
<p>Uh, yes. But more precisely, water acts as an excellent solvent (dissolves solute), possesses a high heat capacity (ability to contain a large quantity of heat while changing temperature slowly), engages in strong cohesion (surface tension), exhibits adhesion (attributable to capillary action), and floats in its solid state in liquid water (insulates bodies of water). </p>
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<p>Approximately 80% of all land plants benefit from a symbiotic relationship with fungi. The association between plant and fungal roots is termed a mycorrhiza. The fungus benefits from the glucose and sucrose provided by the plant while the plant benefits from the increased mineral uptake due to the fungus mycelium’s large surface area relative to that of the root.</p>
<p>Changing focus a bit, define and demonstrate an example of pleiotropy.</p>
<p>Yes lol. I was just too lazy to type all that.</p>
<p>For the fungus part you forgot to mention that the fungus also absorbs minerals like magnesium which makes it easier for the plant to receive.</p>
<p>Pleiotropy? I just googled it lol because I forgot… Anyways looking at the definition now I remember something about a gene affecting the color of fur for rats. For example if you have two genes for black fur (dominant) and brown for (recessive), but if you have recessive for both you turn a different color like white. </p>
<p>I think my idea for pleiotropy may be mixed up as I kind of skimmed that part, but in my mind i remember some rats and their fur colors.</p>
<p>Oh, don’t worry. You might actually get a point for simply stating that it has “many properties” though. :)</p>
<p>Pleiotropy is essentially a phenomenon that occurs when a single gene has more than one phenotypic expression. For instance, in sickle cell anemia the red blood cell becomes sickle-shaped rather than its typical circular geometry. Consequently, red blood cells do not flow through capillaries efficiently and oxygen delivery throughout the body is not adequate. Damage accrues throughout the organism and promotes various disorders including heart failure, anemia, bone aberrations, and impaired mental functioning. </p>
<p>Describe the structure and function of a triglyceride.</p>
<p>I honestly don’t really like my class. The teacher sucks — he briefly goes over slides so it’s basically a self-study class (you read the chapters and practice for the test yourself), but the tests are easy to get an A on because we use the AP scale. If we get around 90/150 (two essays worth 20 points x 3, so 60 points and the MC is 1.8 points a piece with the .25 deduction) we get an A, but the questions are quite difficult and from the Cliffs Biology question-makers.</p>
<p>The worst part of the class is the COUNTLESS and mundane work we are given. I basically just write things without thinking for 2-3 hours a day and just read the chapters as we go on and study the workbook before the test date.</p>
<p>Yes, both. What field of interest do you plan on pursuing?</p>
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<p>Yes, adding on, the fatty acid can be either saturated (single covalent C-C and C-H bonds throughout the chain), monounsaturated (one C=C double bond), or polyunsaturated (two or more C=C double bonds). All fatty acids contain a carboxyl (-COOH) group at the very end of the chain nearest the glycerol molecule.</p>
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<p>Thank you for asking. I am self-studying for the exam. But I am happiest taking full accountability for my own learning since I am free from mandatory burdens.</p>
I plan to major in Biological Sciences and go to medical school. Specialty-wise not sure, but thinking about Cardio/Rads/EM/Anesthesia, but things will likely change about what I want to pursue as I mature and get to know the life styles of each specialty.</p>
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If I actually read the chapter and then answered the questions, rather than BSing them it likely would help, but being a senior and just wanting to get my homework done and studying just enough for the test later on it isn’t much help. For the AP test I will go through Cliffs once and take the practice test, so it should be OKAY.</p>
<p>Interphase: (most of the cell cycle):
-Growth 1: Growth in size, general functions of a cell.
After Growth 1 there is a checkpoint to see if the cell will actually go through mitosis. If it will, it continues down this list. If not, then it enters a nondividing mature state called G0.
-Synthesis: DNA replication.
-Growth 2: Preparation for mitosis.
After Growth 2 there is a checkpoint to ensure that the DNA has been replicated before the cell actually divides.
Mitosis:
-Prophase: Condensation of chromosomes, which are now visible under the microscope when stained. Spindle fibers form. Centrioles divide (I think; this might be G2).
-Metaphase: Sister chromatids line up in the middle of the cell, along the mitotic plate.
After metaphase there is the metaphase checkpoint, to ensure that the spindle fibers are actually attached to the centromeres before the chromosomes move apart.
-Anaphase: Spindle fibers attached to the centromeres become shorter (I think by losing pieces) and other spindle fibers elongate and “walk” (dynin protein) along each other to push the two ends of the cell apart.
-Telophase: Chromosomes become long and stringy, nuclear envelopes begin to form.
Cytokinesis: Cell membrane pinches inward (cleavage in animals) with the use of the cytoskeleton; cell plate (in plants) forms at the mitotic plate and forms into the primary cell wall.</p>
<p>Checkpoints are basically chemical signals that must be present in the cell for it to continue to the next phase.
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