Paul Andersen explains how ecosystems interact with biotic and abiotic factors. He explains and gives examples of food chains and food webs. He shows how limiting factors eventually leads to logistic growth. Real data from Yellowstone Park is used to show how populations interact. He ends the podcast by showing how human impacts can eventually lead to changes within an ecosystem.
Paul Andersen explains how hugs between tissues can help maintain homeostasis. Countercurrent heat exchange allows heat to stay within the core of the body. Close contacts between the capillaries and alveoli allow our body to maintain the correct concentration of oxygen. Capillaries also hug the tubules in the nephron to maintain osmolarity and filter the blood. Hugs in the gills of a fish allow them to maintain an adequate amount of oxygen in an oxygen-poor environment.
Paul Andersen starts by explaining the major classification terms in ecology. He then explains how a community can be measured by species composition and species diversity. The symbiosis of leaf cutter ants is included. The podcast ends with a discussion of population growth.
Paul Andersen explains how organs work together to form organ systems and how organ systems work together to form organisms. The kidney and bladder work together to filter blood in the excretory system. The circulatory and respiratory system work together to bring oxygen and nutrients to the cells. A quick survey of the major organ systems is also included.
In this podcast Paul Andersen explains how cells differentiate to become tissue specific. He also explains the role of transcription factors in gene regulation. The location of a cell within the blastula ultimately determines its fate. The SrY gene is an important external stimuli in human development. The heat shock factor is also discussed as an example of an environmental simuli.
Paul Andersen defines the major elements of feedback loops. The receptors and effectors both sense and respond to changes in their environment. The following examples are used to illustrate the importance of feedback loops in maintaining homeostasis: speed signs, thermostats, thermoregulation, and blood glucose maintenance.
Paul Andersen shows you how to calculate the ch-squared value to test your null hypothesis. He explains the importance of the critical value and defines the degrees of freedom. He also leaves you with a problem related to the animal behavior lab. This analysis is required in the AP Biology classroom.
Mr. Andersen shows you how to sink leaf chads in preparation for the AP Biology photosynthesis lab. An empty syringe is used to remove gas from the leaves before the lab. As the chloroplasts absorb light they produce oxygen bubbles which eventually cause the leaves to float.
Mr. Andersen shows you how to properly core potatoes for the osmosis lab. A thorough description of the lab protocol is included along with a brief description of percent mass change.
Mr. Andersen gives a brief description of osmosis. He explains how water moves from a hypotonic to a hypertonic solution across a semipermeable membrane. The video ends with a time-lapse demo in class.
The lower half of Mr. Andersen's head explains why cells are small. This video begins with a simple geometry problem and ends with a discussion of Allen's Rule and reasoning for the microscopic nature of cells.
Mr. Andersen talks you through the diffusion demo. After you finish watching this video you should be able to rank the following from smallest to largest: starch, glucose, water, IKI and the pores in the dialysis tubing.
Former physics teacher Glenn Govertson blows my mind. I cut the video out before I said "Awesome"
Mr. Andersen walks you through the cellular respiration lab.
Paul Andersen describes the structure and function of the major organelles in a eukaryotic cell. The endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, and golgi complex produce and store proteins in the cell. Lysosomes dissolve broken and invasive material. Vacuole store material in plant cells. Mitochondria produce ATP through cellular respiration and chloroplasts use the energy of the sun to produce sugars.
Paul Andersen describes the four major biological molecules found in living things. He begins with a brief discussion of polymerization. Dehydration synthesis is used to connect monomers into polymers and hydrolysis breaks them down again. The major characteristics of nucleic acids are described as well as there directionality from 3' to 5' end. Protein structure is describes as well as the structure of its monomers; amino acids. The carboxyl and amino ends of a protein are described. The major groups of lipids are included with a brief discussion of saturated, unsaturated and trans fats. Finally carbohydrates and their sugar monomers are discussed.
Paul Andersen begins this podcast with a discussion of brain lateralization and gives a brief demonstration of tests that were performed on split-brain individuals. He then discusses the major parts of a neuron and explains how action potentials are generated using voltage-gated ion channels. He explains how neurotransmitters transmit messages across a synapse and how these messages can be either inhibitory or excitatory.
Paul Andersen explains how organisms use information to communicate with each other. Signals are used by bees doing the waggle dance to communicate the location of flowers. Territorial markings are used by wolves to establish territory. Complex courtship rituals are used by sage grouse to ensure mating success. Cooperation is used by organisms that flock to ensure their individual survival.
Paul Andersen explains how changes in the signal transduction pathway can affect organisms. He begins with a brief discussion of the tetrodotoxin produced by the California Newt. He then explains how anthrax affects adenylate cyclase and thereby shuts down the signal transduction pathway. He also explains how diabetes mellitus is caused by the blood glucose pathway. A brief discussion of zombie powder is also included.
Paul Andersen explains how signal transduction pathways are used by cells to convert chemical messages to cellular action. Epinephrine is used as a sample messenger to trigger the release of glucose from cells in the liver. The G-Protein, adenylyl cyclase, cAMP, and protein kinases are all used as illustrative examples of signal transduction. A review of the concepts is also included.
