chapter 3 water & the fitness of the environment
Overview
The first chapter I ever read for biology class. How sentimental. *pause for reflection on the beginning of the year*
Chapter 3 focuses on the structure, characteristics, and importance of H20 for life on Earth. Water is a polar molecule made up of one oxygen atom(-) and two hydrogen atoms(+), meaning that there are opposite charges on opposite ends of the molecule. This essential characteristic of water allows the molecules to form hydrogen bonds, which organisms depend on. Cohesion (sticking together) and adhesion (sticking to other things) gives water structure and the ability to move, for example proceeding upwards in a tree.
The relatively high surface tension, specific heat, and heat of vaporization that water possesses contribute to the liquid's fluidity, ability to moderate temperature, and evaporative cooling. Water can absorb or exude a lot of heat without experiencing a drastic change in temperature, which plays a role in the regulation of the climate and ocean temperatures. Evaporative cooling means that the surface of the liquid cools down when some of it evaporates, which counteracts overheating of organisms and creates a stable temperature in lakes and ponds. Furthermore, the fact that frozen water floats means life in the water will exist, because if ice did not float, all bodies of water would freeze solid.
Additionally, H20 acts as a very versatile solvent. Sugar, proteins, and salt can often be dissolved in water because they are hydrophilic, whereas lipids will not combine with water and are hydrophobic. Aqueous solutions are common and important for life, and often taken for granted. The molarity of a substance is a measurement of the concentration of a substance in water; how many moles of solute exist per liter of the solution.
While on the subject of concentration, changes in hydrogen, hydroxide, and hydronium ion concentrations in water will transform the pH of a solution. An acid is a substance that increases H+ concentration (lower pH) and a base is a substance that reduces H+ concentration (higher pH). The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. Buffers are weak acids or bases that allow biological fluids to resist changes in pH and can reversibly combine with H+ ions. The acidity of solutions is important to maintain balance within organisms and the environment. Rain with a pH level more acidic than 5.6 can affect the solubility of minerals in soil or contaminate water habitats, which has an effect on the fitness of ecosystems.
Big Ideas
2.A.3 Organisms must exchange matter with the environment to grow, reproduce, and maintain organization.
Reflection
This was the first experience I made with taking notes on a chapter and completing a reading guide. It took me much longer than I had initially thought, which was frustrating. However, taking notes is now a very important part for me in understanding the concepts. Another plus is that I can look back at my notes to help with this website. And studying.
Study Tools
I used only my own notes from reading the textbook to study chapters three, four, and five. I was still not in possession of the knowledge that YouTube videos can be lifesavers when studying for quizzes.
The first chapter I ever read for biology class. How sentimental. *pause for reflection on the beginning of the year*
Chapter 3 focuses on the structure, characteristics, and importance of H20 for life on Earth. Water is a polar molecule made up of one oxygen atom(-) and two hydrogen atoms(+), meaning that there are opposite charges on opposite ends of the molecule. This essential characteristic of water allows the molecules to form hydrogen bonds, which organisms depend on. Cohesion (sticking together) and adhesion (sticking to other things) gives water structure and the ability to move, for example proceeding upwards in a tree.
The relatively high surface tension, specific heat, and heat of vaporization that water possesses contribute to the liquid's fluidity, ability to moderate temperature, and evaporative cooling. Water can absorb or exude a lot of heat without experiencing a drastic change in temperature, which plays a role in the regulation of the climate and ocean temperatures. Evaporative cooling means that the surface of the liquid cools down when some of it evaporates, which counteracts overheating of organisms and creates a stable temperature in lakes and ponds. Furthermore, the fact that frozen water floats means life in the water will exist, because if ice did not float, all bodies of water would freeze solid.
Additionally, H20 acts as a very versatile solvent. Sugar, proteins, and salt can often be dissolved in water because they are hydrophilic, whereas lipids will not combine with water and are hydrophobic. Aqueous solutions are common and important for life, and often taken for granted. The molarity of a substance is a measurement of the concentration of a substance in water; how many moles of solute exist per liter of the solution.
While on the subject of concentration, changes in hydrogen, hydroxide, and hydronium ion concentrations in water will transform the pH of a solution. An acid is a substance that increases H+ concentration (lower pH) and a base is a substance that reduces H+ concentration (higher pH). The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. Buffers are weak acids or bases that allow biological fluids to resist changes in pH and can reversibly combine with H+ ions. The acidity of solutions is important to maintain balance within organisms and the environment. Rain with a pH level more acidic than 5.6 can affect the solubility of minerals in soil or contaminate water habitats, which has an effect on the fitness of ecosystems.
Big Ideas
2.A.3 Organisms must exchange matter with the environment to grow, reproduce, and maintain organization.
Reflection
This was the first experience I made with taking notes on a chapter and completing a reading guide. It took me much longer than I had initially thought, which was frustrating. However, taking notes is now a very important part for me in understanding the concepts. Another plus is that I can look back at my notes to help with this website. And studying.
Study Tools
I used only my own notes from reading the textbook to study chapters three, four, and five. I was still not in possession of the knowledge that YouTube videos can be lifesavers when studying for quizzes.
chapter 4 Carbon & the molecular diversity of life
Overview
The fourth chapter of the biology book outlines the versatility of carbon and its importance to life. Carbon is one of the major elements that life could not exist without. Organic chemistry is defined as the study of carbon compounds, which are plentiful in living organisms.
This vital element has four valence electrons, meaning it can form four covalent bonds with other atoms simultaneously. The variations in how these bonds are set up accounts for the diversity of organic molecules. The isomers of carbon compounds also allow for variations due to differing spatial arrangements of the molecules. Last but not least, the functional groups that form with carbon add to molecular diversity. These functional groups are commonly involved in chemical reactions and give molecules unique properties. Some of the most important groups include: hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, carbonyl, sulfhydryl, and phosphate.
Big Ideas
1.D.1 There are several hypotheses about the natural origin of life on Earth, each with supporting scientific evidence.
2.A.3 Organisms must exchange matter with the environment to grow, reproduce, and maintain organization.
Reflection
Understanding carbon and its importance for life is central to understanding biology. This video is great for gaining a general idea of carbon's role or to use as a study tool. The Crash Course videos are fun and informative. And if we're being honest, I'll probably take any chance I get to integrate Hank or John Green's quirky lessons into this collection of information about the AP Bio course. Because they're amazingly helpful.
The fourth chapter of the biology book outlines the versatility of carbon and its importance to life. Carbon is one of the major elements that life could not exist without. Organic chemistry is defined as the study of carbon compounds, which are plentiful in living organisms.
This vital element has four valence electrons, meaning it can form four covalent bonds with other atoms simultaneously. The variations in how these bonds are set up accounts for the diversity of organic molecules. The isomers of carbon compounds also allow for variations due to differing spatial arrangements of the molecules. Last but not least, the functional groups that form with carbon add to molecular diversity. These functional groups are commonly involved in chemical reactions and give molecules unique properties. Some of the most important groups include: hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, carbonyl, sulfhydryl, and phosphate.
Big Ideas
1.D.1 There are several hypotheses about the natural origin of life on Earth, each with supporting scientific evidence.
2.A.3 Organisms must exchange matter with the environment to grow, reproduce, and maintain organization.
Reflection
Understanding carbon and its importance for life is central to understanding biology. This video is great for gaining a general idea of carbon's role or to use as a study tool. The Crash Course videos are fun and informative. And if we're being honest, I'll probably take any chance I get to integrate Hank or John Green's quirky lessons into this collection of information about the AP Bio course. Because they're amazingly helpful.
chapter 5 structure & function of macromolecules
Overview
Chapter 5 is one of those chapters that will frequently pop up throughout the course whether you like it or not. It's a chapter that people like to brush aside, however it is arguably one of the most important. The macromolecules introduced in this chapter are the building blocks for life: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Carbohydrates consist of sugars and their polymers and serve as the main fuel for most organisms. They also serve as storage or building material (i.e. starch, cellulose). Lipids are hydrophobic molecules consisting of mostly hydrocarbons which include fats, phospholipids, and steroids. Fats store energy, insulate, and cushion vital organs. Phospholipids make up membranes and steroids make up certain hormones and components of membranes. Proteins are very versatile and are the tools for most cellular functions. They are made up of amino acids. Nucleic acids form DNA, the material that stores an organism's genetic information.
The structure of these macromolecules largely accounts for their function. The way phospholipids are set up in a membrane allows it to be semi-permeable. The variations in protein sequence, structure, and size allow them to perform a wide range of functions and tasks within a cell. The double helix of DNA accounts for its stability and function in transmitting genetic information during cell replication. Structure decides function.
Big Ideas
3.A.1 DNA, and in some cases RNA, is the primary source of heritable information.
4.A.1 The sub-components of biological molecules and their sequence determine the properties of that molecule.
4.B.1 Interactions between molecules affect their structure and function.
4.C.1 Variation in molecular units provides cells with a wider range of functions.
Artifact
Click anywhere on these words that are made up by individual letters to view the lab report on cell composition.
Reflection
This was the first complex laboratory experiment the class got to perform. It included many different parts, a time limit, and various chemicals that needed to be coordinated to make it successful. Furthermore, students learned which macromolecules react to which substances and what they consist of. This kind of activity also encouraged students to think critically about the components of the foods and solutions that were tested. Drawing conclusions based on specific data from the experiment was a skill that many of us had to confront and conquer. All in all, this lab experiment helped me develop as a student of biology and understand how many factors can influence whether or not the outcome turns out in the way that was expected.
Chapter 5 is one of those chapters that will frequently pop up throughout the course whether you like it or not. It's a chapter that people like to brush aside, however it is arguably one of the most important. The macromolecules introduced in this chapter are the building blocks for life: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Carbohydrates consist of sugars and their polymers and serve as the main fuel for most organisms. They also serve as storage or building material (i.e. starch, cellulose). Lipids are hydrophobic molecules consisting of mostly hydrocarbons which include fats, phospholipids, and steroids. Fats store energy, insulate, and cushion vital organs. Phospholipids make up membranes and steroids make up certain hormones and components of membranes. Proteins are very versatile and are the tools for most cellular functions. They are made up of amino acids. Nucleic acids form DNA, the material that stores an organism's genetic information.
The structure of these macromolecules largely accounts for their function. The way phospholipids are set up in a membrane allows it to be semi-permeable. The variations in protein sequence, structure, and size allow them to perform a wide range of functions and tasks within a cell. The double helix of DNA accounts for its stability and function in transmitting genetic information during cell replication. Structure decides function.
Big Ideas
3.A.1 DNA, and in some cases RNA, is the primary source of heritable information.
4.A.1 The sub-components of biological molecules and their sequence determine the properties of that molecule.
4.B.1 Interactions between molecules affect their structure and function.
4.C.1 Variation in molecular units provides cells with a wider range of functions.
Artifact
Click anywhere on these words that are made up by individual letters to view the lab report on cell composition.
Reflection
This was the first complex laboratory experiment the class got to perform. It included many different parts, a time limit, and various chemicals that needed to be coordinated to make it successful. Furthermore, students learned which macromolecules react to which substances and what they consist of. This kind of activity also encouraged students to think critically about the components of the foods and solutions that were tested. Drawing conclusions based on specific data from the experiment was a skill that many of us had to confront and conquer. All in all, this lab experiment helped me develop as a student of biology and understand how many factors can influence whether or not the outcome turns out in the way that was expected.