The APsolute RecAP: Biology Edition

Episode 35 reviews graphing essentials and the relationship to energy. It's important to use the most appropriate graph for the data set (1:10). Do you remember DRY MIX TAILS? (1:50) Energy can be transferred and transformed, but not created or destroyed. (3:00) Imagine yourself walking along an energy graph, over the activation energy hill, and then either up to a plateau for endergonic or down to a valley for exergonic reactions (4:20). Match each graph with a reaction you are already familiar with.

The Question of the Day asks (6:21) “What does ADP stand for?”

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Episode 34 finds the similarities and differences between chloroplasts and mitochondria. The endosymbiosis theory states that these energy transducers were once independent prokaryotes (1:38). Chloroplasts capture light energy in photosynthesis (2:20). Mitochondria break down sugars in cellular respiration (4:00). There are many commonalities between each organelle’s structure and function.

The Question of the Day asks (6:35) “What are the alternate names for the Krebs cycle”?

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Episode 33 recAPs genetic engineering techniques of biotechnology. Electrophoresis separates molecular fragments according to size and charge visually (1:00). PCR amplifies DNA fragments, making thousands of copies from even the smallest sample (2:35). Bacterial transformation introduces foreign DNA into bacterial cells (4:00). DNA sequencing is a part of biotechnology, but typically not working with an entire genome at one time (6:15).

The Question of the Day asks (8:08) “Which cells in the human body do NOT contain nuclear DNA?

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It’s the battle of the nucleic acids in Episode 32! DNA may have all the information, but RNA does all the work. DNA and RNA are made of nucleotide monomers (1:05). DNA and RNA nucleotides differ in their pentose sugar (1:55) and pyrimidine base ( 3:00). DNA forms an antiparallel double helix (3:50) compared to the single strand RNA (5:05), forming mRNA, rRNA and tRNA.

The Question of the Day asks (6:44) “Nucleic acids are one of two biological molecules that contain the element nitrogen. What is the other?”

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You hear mutations - but we hear variation! Mutations have several causes and can be positive, neutral or negative to the phenotype. Grab a recap of the Central Dogma before diving in (1:40). Distinguish between point mutations and frameshift mutations (2:50). Mutations have a strong correlation to evolution(3:40). Prokaryotes have been around a long time, with many reproductive techniques (5:08). Genotypic changes are also the result of errors in cell division, as with non-disjunction (5:40).

The Question of the Day asks (6:25) “What metal atom is bound to a heme group in hemoglobin?”

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“Water water everywhere, nor any drop to drink.” Episode 30 reviews the passive transport of water and the calculation of water potential - with many water sound effects! Hypertonic solutions have a greater concentration of solutes than a hypotonic solution (1:30). It does not end well for a paramecium placed in freshwater (2:15). Water potential allows us to predict the movement of water (4:00) and is measured in bars. Don’t memorize any equations! (5:20)

The Question of the Day asks (6:56) “What is the process called when a cell membrane pulls away from a plant cell wall after being placed in a hypertonic solution?”

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Melanie wants you to be prepared and calm on May 18th! Episode 29 recAPs test taking tips appropriate to the digital platform. You need to practice timed FRQs in the same location and with the same resources as exam day (1:06). Stop studying and go to bed! (1:45) You can either type or hand write your responses, but don’t work in the redzone (2:40). Keep scrap paper, a calculator and minimal resources nearby during the test (3:50) There won’t be much time to look up answers. Make sure you address the task verbs in the questions with full sentences (5:40). Technical catastrophe on test day - reach out to the CB for a re-test (6:00).

The Question of the Day asks (6:47) T/F - You can complete the two FRQs in any order.

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Episode 28 recAPs some of the great scientific minds of history. Atoms are the building blocks of matter, with work by greats such as Dalton, Rutherford, and Bohr (1:08). Gregor Mendel is now renowned as the father of heredity, but began as a pea farmer (2:30). DNA was identified as the molecule of heredity by comparing chemical properties through experiments by Griffith, Avery, Hershey and Chase (3:28). You likely remember Watson and Crick’s double helix model, but what about Franklin and Chargaff? (4:30). No episode on scientists is complete without mentioning Charles Darwin and the theory of evolution by natural selection (5:37).

The Question of the Day asks (7:03) “What mainland South American country is closest to the Galapagos Islands? ”

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Episode 27 recaps the connection between the coronavirus and the content on the AP Bio exam. Viruses are nonliving agents (1:05) with a hijacking infection strategy. Coronaviruses are named for their club-like proteins sticking out from the surface (2:45). The viral RNA genome is translated by host cell ribosomes (4:20). Biotechnology, like PCR, is used to test for viral presence in test swabs (5:20). Viral genomes are able to evolve over time, with high mutation rates (5:55).

The Question of the Day asks (7:12) “What do we call the branch of medicine that studies the distribution and control of disease?”

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Episode 26 is our first listener’s choice episode! The first recAP is about membrane proteins - both structure and function (1:18). Second, a biotechnology refresher with discussion of bacterial transformation, electrophoresis, and PCR (3:10). Lastly, Melanie reviews each scientist’s contribution to the discovery of DNA as the hereditary molecule (5:51).

The Question of the Day asks (7:40) “What percentage of DNA is made of nitrogen?”

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Episode 25 recAPs the understandings behind the equations and formula sheet. Topics for discussion are: surface area to volume ratio (1:00), water and solute potential (2:02), laws of probability (3:30), standard deviation and standard error of the mean (4:20), and chi square (5:20). Always make your math have meaning through analysis, biological application, and units!

The Question of the Day asks (7:10) “What is the greek letter for summation?”

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Only two FRQs? - Piece of cake! Episode 24 discusses the FRQs on the 2020 exam (1:05) with a few tips and tricks. Practice makes comfort! Set up your exam space now and practice with a timer (2:44). Complete those practice questions in two different colors, to reflect on your timed answers (3:20). Learn how to translate the questions out of AP language and into “I’m sitting at home with my dog” language (4:05). Don’t have science vomit with your words! (4:40). Scrap paper may also be useful.

The Question of the Day asks (5:41) “Which Science Practice skill will not be represented on the 2020 exam?”

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How many lab experiments did you complete this year? Episode 23 recAPs the lab manual published by the College Board. Each lab is reviewed with the guiding question, procedure rundown, and quantitative skills. Labs 1-3 focus on Big Idea #1: Evolution(1:30). Labs 4-6 focus on Big Idea #2: Energetics (3:30). Labs 7-9 focus on Big Idea #3: Information Storage and Transmission (6:18). Labs 10-13 focus on Big Idea #4: Systems Interactions (9:12).

The Question of the Day asks (12:24) “What do error bars represent?”

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Deep breath! Episode 22 answers all of your questions about the updated exam structure. When is the exam going to be? (1:12) What is the exam going to cover?(1:46) How is the exam going to be structured? (2:20) What device should I use? (3:22) What about test security? (4:30) Will scoring be different? (5:11). Give it your best!

The Question of the Day asks (5:50) “What type of calculator will you need for the exam?”

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Operons! Get your operons here! Episode 21 explains how the same DNA instructions can indicate Gene regulation begins with chromatin structure (1:40). DNA has areas of regulatory sequences which control transcription (2:30). Don’t get lost in the promotor, regulator, activator lingo - but focus on the effect of molecules interacting with the DNA strand (4:00). Regulation can also occur through alternative splicing of an mRNA transcript (4:30). Melanie concludes by recapping the learning objectives from the CED (5:05)

The Question of the Day asks (6:48) “What is the effect of a nucleotide insertion or deletion?”

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Episode 20 dives into all things transcription and translation with the Central Dogma! Don’t forget that you are what your proteins produce. The mRNA transcript is named after the Latin word for writing (1:50). RNA Polymerase will synthesize mRNA in the 5’-3’ direction, just like DNA polymerase. Do you know Chargaff’s rules? (3:22). The mRNA transcript will need to go through modification as it exits the nuclear pore (3:40). Translation involves mRNA, rRNA and tRNA to form the polypeptide (4:50). Almost all organisms use the same genetic code which supports common ancestry (6:00).

The Question of the Day asks (6:48) “Which enzyme copies the viral RNA genome into DNA for the assembly of new viral progeny?”

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Melanie recAPs DNA Replication by reviewing the role of enzymes. DNA Replication is semiconservative and occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle in eukaryotic cells (1:20). How does the structure of DNA influence the process of replication? (1:40) The CED requires you to know the function of the following enzymes: topoisomerase (2:38), helicase (2:48), DNA polymerase (3:25), and ligase (4:35). There are distinctions between replication patterns in prokaryotes and eukaryotes (5:00).

The Question of the Day asks (5:39) “What is the condensed, identical DNA strand called during mitosis?”

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Episode 18 recAPs all things Mendelian and Non-Mendelian in the genetics world. It's important to remember the Law of Independent Assortment and Law of Segregation when reviewing pea experiments (1:30). Do you know what Pater and Filius mean in Latin? (2:00) The classic monohybrid flower example is broken down with a Punnett square walk through and vocabulary reminders (2:30). Always go back and reread the genetics problem when you think you’ve solved it! (4:00) Melanie concludes the episode by providing heredity examples of Non-Mendelian genetics (5:00). Don’t forget that mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own genes! (5:55)

The Question of the Day asks (6:40) “Explain how sexual reproduction increases genetic variation.”

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Melanie recaps DNA in all its coiled and condensed forms during Episode 17. Beginning on the most microscopic level, (1:27) Melanie reviews the nucleotide monomer structure. You can create an antiparallel model with your own arms (2:45). Do you prefer a history or chemistry themed memory hack for nitrogenous bases? (3:40). DNA wraps around histones to form chromatin before condensing into chromosomes. The episode concludes with a contrast between prokaryotic and eukaryotic chromosome structure. (6:22)

The Question of the Day asks (6:19) “Which nitrogenous base is unique to RNA?”

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Episode 16 gets some swanky tunes for sex cell and fertilization discussions (1:00). PMAT is coming back into play with new terminology of haploid and homologous pairs. Melanie begins with a recAP of Meiosis (2:39) before contrasting the two cellular division pathways(4:33). There are two main contributors to genetic variation through meiotic pathways (3:14). Melanie recommends organizing this information in a table when studying!

The Question of the Day asks (5:30) “When do human egg cells complete Meiosis II?”

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Melanie reviews several reasons for cell division in Episode 15. The cell cycle contains three main parts: interphase (2:00), mitosis (3:27), and cytokinesis (5:08). Did you know that some cells never finish the cell cycle? (3:15). PMAT will guide you through the stages of mitosis (3:50). Cytokinesis strategies differ in animal and plant cells (5:12). Under normal conditions, the cell cycle is regulated by a series of protein complexes and signals (5:44).

The Question of the Day asks (6:57) “What organelle produces vesicles to deposit the cell plate?”

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In Episode 14, Melanie explains why your parents are always telling you to put on a sweatshirt rather than adjust the thermostat in your house! Break it down into stimulus and response (1:41). The two types of feedback mechanisms are discussed by mechanism, their effect on homeostasis and with examples. Negative feedback (2:16) returns conditions to homeostasis while positive (4:22) feedback intentionally changes conditions from a set point.

The Question of the Day (5:50) asks “The onset of labor in childbirth is an example of what type of feedback?”

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In Episode 13, Melanie recAPs the ways in which cells communicate through cellular signals, called ligands. Do you remember playing telephone as a kid?(1:15) Cellular communication is achieved through reception, (1:46) transduction, (2:40) and response (3:27). Signals are classified by the distance that the message has to travel (3:46). Much like the game of telephone, messages are sometimes modified or interrupted (4:51).

The Question of the Day (5:45) asks “Which two enzymes are involved in the phosphorylation cascade?”

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Episode 12 begins with a Latin lesson, spirare. Melanie pulls the oldest three stooges trick in the book to remind students of the products of cellular respiration (1:25). The star of the show is introduced (2:20) with a reminder of the importance of surface area to volume ratios. Cellular respiration is explored in three steps: Glycolysis (2:50), the Krebs Cycle (3:55), and ETC (5:08). Melanie checks in on the tallies of reactants and products (4:43). Don’t forget that oxygen is the final electron acceptor! (5:40). Deep breath in, deep breath out - Repeat as needed (6:35).

The Question of the Day (7:13) asks “Which step of cellular respiration will still occur under anaerobic conditions?”

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Deep breath! Episode 11 will recAP photosynthesis - the process of converting light energy into chemical energy. Do you know why plants are green? (1:18) Melanie provides an overview of the chemical equation (1:35) before drawing an analogy between the chloroplast and a favorite breakfast treat (2:10). Photosynthesis is divided into two stages - the light and dark reactions (2:40). She warns you of a common student error with remembering coenzymes (3:10). Don’t get lost in all the details with a check in on reactants and products (4:12). Melanie gives a study tip to compare light and dark reactions (5:53).

The Question of the Day (6:08) asks “How is the light reaction dependent on the Calvin Cycle?”

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Melanie balances the world of physics with biology in Episode 10. We don’t want to break the Laws of Thermodynamics! (1:20). She then debunks the definition of an enzyme (3:00) while riding a rollercoaster. Don’t forget that enzymes are not used up during a reaction and are substrate and condition specific (4:00), Melanie describes a “toothpickase” hand example to dig deeper into environmental effects on enzyme function (4:55). She explains how other molecules may also compete for active site binding (5:40) in an inhibitory or regulatory way.

The Question of the Day (6:43) asks “ Which will cause a linear increase in reaction rate and why? Increasing substrate concentration? Or increasing enzyme concentration?

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In Episode 9, Melanie reviews all things transport - active and passive. Do you know who is invited to the party? (0:45). Molecular chemistry will greatly influence the method of transport (1:40). She distinguishes between active and passive transport, with multiple examples (2:20). Sounds like a great time to take a deep breath and make a cup of tea (2:48). Moving big things all at once will require vesicles (4:19) with endo and exocytosis. Melanie warns you of a common misconception! (4:39).

The Question of the Day (5:34) asks “What is the effect of cholesterol in the phospholipid membrane?

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Episode 8 will recap how cell organization is crucial to efficient functioning. Melanie distinguishes between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in domain and design (1:07). Ribosomes are found in all cells (2:22) and manufacturers protein. Membrane bound organelles are made of phospholipids, just like cellular membranes (2:58). Rapid fire review of common organelles in name, structure and function (3:25): Smooth ER, Rough ER, Golgi Complex, lysosome, vacuole mitochondria, and chloroplast. She shares two resources to help gain perspective on the complexity and impressive machinery of the cell - bring on the VR goggles! (6:31)

The Question of the Day (7:20) asks “Which of the six kingdoms have cells that never have cell walls?

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We find out why there are no elephant sized Amoebas in Episode 7. Melanie begins with recapping the difference between the definitions of surface area and volume (1:27). The first APsolute RecAP CHALLENGE is announced! (2:30). Visit a Starbucks and be sure to email your submissions by April 15, 2020 for a chance to win a personalized exam prep podcast. Get a rundown of calculation variables and equations (3:18). Don’t forget that cells function best with the greatest surface area to volume ratio ( 4:28). Melanie makes us get caught in concert traffic (4:47) before sharing some efficient human examples of large surface area adaptations (5:42).

The Question of the Day (6:50) asks “Which has a greater surface area to volume ratio - a spherical cell with a radius of 50 um or 20 um?”

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In Episode 6, Melanie recaps elements of life and shares two mnemonics - OSHMERG (1:03) and CHNOPS (4:00). She begins with the definition of matter and reviews its role in growth. Can you describe the atomic structure (2:09) and its role in bonding? Metabolism misconceptions are debunked (2:38) - even though students can eat an entire pizza. What do you think of when you hear the word organic? (3:20) The six most common elements of life are reviewed and distinctly associated with the four biological molecules. (4:12)

The Question of the Day (5:28) asks “How is the periodic table organized?”

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We learn that you are what you eat in Episode 5. Melanie explores the four types of biological molecules in both structure and function. Kick it off with proteins (1:20) which have the greatest diversity in structure and function due to R-groups chemistry (2:49). Melanie reminds us of the elemental ratios in carbohydrates and to notice the pattern of an -ose ending (4:10). She also recAPs the diversity and characteristics of lipids - Do you remember what saturated fatty acids are? (4:40). Don’t forget the crucial role of phospholipids in the formation of membranes (6:05). She takes us back to kindergarten (6:26) to recall nucleotide arrangement. Did you count how many times the cow mooed?

The Question of the Day (8:19) asks “Which category of biological molecules is ATP found in?.Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: Biology Edition!

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Episode 4 is all about WATER! In the first of the content episodes, we zoom in to the elemental level and discuss water structure and its correlating properties. Melanie tells you to think of a familiar Disney character (1:48) and has you sketching water polarity (2:40). She shares some word reminders to tell the difference between cohesion and adhesion (4:30) with some real world examples. Have you ever seen an insect walk on water? (6:18) Melanie shares a fun fact for the rock collectors (6:37) and describes water’s role in monomer/polymer formations (7:10)

The Question of the Day (9:13) asks “Describe how the properties of water contribute to maintaining homeostasis.”

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In Episode 3, Melanie draws the line between what you need to know and what you don’t. Don’t worry about the extra information in your textbook! The eight units on the CED can be learned in any order and will often have math requirements. Biology begins with chemistry (1:55) which will influence how things function on a larger ecological scale (5:30) It is important to focus on the big picture (3:17).

The Question of the Day (6:12) asks “Which unit is most heavily weighted on the exam?”

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In this episode, Melanie explains the main themes and skills that students will continually see throughout all eight units of the course. The four Big Ideas have specific abbreviations in the CED (1:40). She reminds students of buzzwords (2:20) and the common theme of structure and function (3:47). The six science practices that students need to demonstrate on the exam are unpacked (4:52) with examples on how to improve each skill. She reminds you to bring meaning to numbers and graph by hand (7:43).

The Question of the Day (9:38) asks “In the free response section, which science skill is most commonly represented?”

Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: Biology Edition!

(AP is a registered trademark of the College Board and is not affiliated with The APsolute RecAP. Copyright 2020 - The APsolute RecAP, LLC. All rights reserved.)

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In this pilot episode, Melanie unpacks the AP Program and describes how the newly designed Biology Exam is structured for 2020. Students learn how to keep an appropriate pace on the multiple choice section (1:17) and some tips for practice (2:10). She explains that not all FRQ questions are valued the same and require active responses (2:56). Melanie gives away a teacher secret (3:08) and reminds students what to bring on the day of the exam (3:30). How many questions do you need to get correct (3:48)? Don’t forget to complete your Progress Checks (5:00) to shape your study strategy.

The Question of the Day (6:02) asks “T/F - You can earn partial credit on the multiple choice and the FRQ section of the exam.”

Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: Biology Edition!

(AP is a registered trademark of the College Board and is not affiliated with The APsolute RecAP. Copyright 2020 - The APsolute RecAP, LLC. All rights reserved.)

EMAIL:

TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.com

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The APsolute RecAP: Biology Edition, hosted by Melanie Kingett, will be your guide to scoring the five! The APsolute RecAP is designed to maximize your understanding and minimize your need for memorization. Each episode will review content, skills and test taking tips to help you succeed in May.

Please follow us on Instagram @TheAPsoluteRecAP. If you're a student with questions or a teacher with suggestions, we'd love to hear from you! If you have a Biology topic, or another AP subject you would like us to cover on The APsolute RecAP, please email us at TheAPsoluteRecAP@gmail.com.

Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: Biology Edition!

(AP is a registered trademark of the College Board and is not affiliated with The APsolute RecAP. Copyright 2020 - The APsolute RecAP, LLC. All rights reserved.)

Follow Us:

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