Paul Andersen gives you a brief introduction to the cell membrane. He starts by describing amphipathic nature of a phospholipid and how it assembles into a membrane. He gives an overview of the fluid mosaic model inside cells. He also discusses the movement of material across a membrane and the role of proteins in movement and function.
Paul Andersen takes you on a tour of the cell. He starts by explaining the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. He also explains why cells are small but not infinitely small. He also explains how the organelles work together in a similar fashion
Paul Andersen describes the macromolecules that make up living organisms. He starts with a brief description of organic chemistry and the importance of functional groups. He also covers both dehydration and hydrolysis in polymerization. He finally covers the four major macromolecules: nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates.
Paul Andersen introduces the topic of Biology. He covers each of the four main ideas that were developed by the College Board. These ideas revolve around the concepts of evolution, free energy, information and systems.
Paul Andersen differentiates between biotic and abiotic factors. He explains how both abiotic and biotic factors can affect organisms at the level of the cell, the population and even the ecosystem. The complexities of biofilms, predator-prey relationships, and food webs are given as illustrative examples.
Paul Andersen discusses scientific evidence of the origin of life on our planet. He begins with a brief discussion of the age of the earth and ends with the future of humanity. He includes geologic, chemical and molecular data.
Paul Andersen describes how life could have formed on our planet through natural processes. The progression from monomers, to polymers, to protocells and finally to cells is described. The Miller-Urey experiment is described in detail as well as characteristics of the latest universal ancestor.
Paul Andersen explains how life has evolved and continues to evolve today. A brief discussion of artificial, natural and sexual selection is included. The beak of the finch is used to explain how directional selection is achieved.
Paul Andersen explains how reproductive isolation can eventually lead to speciation. Three main barriers to gene flow are included: geographic, pre-zygotic and post-zygotic. Both allopatric and sympatric speciation are discussed. A brief discussing of polyploidy and punctuated equilibrium are also included.
Paul Andersen details the evolutionary processes of speciation and extinction. Stickleback evolution in Lake Loberg is used as example of rapid speciation. Adaptive radiation is illustrated using the Hawaiian honeycreeper. A brief discussion of extinctions and mass extinctions is also included.
Paul Andersen discusses the specifics of phylogenetics. The evolutionary relationships of organisms are discovered through both morphological and molecular data. A specific type of phylogenetic tree, the cladogram, is also covered.
Paul Andersen describes three main characteristics of life that are conserved in all organisms on the planet. The universal genetic code, the central dogma of biology, and shared metabolic pathways give us details of the original universal ancestor. He also explains how eukaryotic cells gained complexity through infolding of the cell membrane and endosymbiosis.
Paul Andersen lists major evidence for the existence of evolution. He begins with a discussion of Charles Darwin and the evidence that he presented in the Origin of Species, including biogeography, fossils, and homologies. He also explains how DNA evidence can be used to trace evolutionary history.
Paul Andersen describes genetic drift as a mechanism for evolutionary change. A population genetics simulator is used to show the importance of large population size in neutralizing random change. The near extinction of the northern elephant is used as an example of the bottleneck effect. The high incidence of total colorblindness due to a typhoon that hit the small island of Pingelap is also included.
Paul Andersen details examples of natural selection in the world. He starts by explaining how changes in global temperatures are causing plants to adapt. He explains how mutations cause changes in phenotype which give organisms varying levels of fitness. Two specific examples of natural selection; sickle cell disease and muti-drug resistant tuberculosis are also included.
Paul Andersen explains how natural selection is a major mechanism in evolution. The video begins with a discussion of Charles Darwin and the details of natural selection. The data of the peppered moth during the industrial revolution is used to show the process of adaptation. Allele frequencies are calculated before and after the selection. The adaptation of cichlids in African lakes is also included.
Mr. Andersen describes the two portions of the AP Biology Test. Tips for answering multiple choice and free response questions are included. Sample questions from old AP tests are also included.
Mr. Andersen explains the Central Dogma of biology. He shows how DNA is transcribed to form mRNA and how mRNA is translated into a protein.
Mr. Andersen uses chromosome beads to simulate both mitosis and meiosis. A brief discussion of gamete formation is also included.
Mr. Andersen details experimental design and proper use of the scientific method.
