Molecules to Ecosystems | An IB Bio Podcast

Topic B3.2, transport, takes a look at the different circulatory systems and transport processes in animals and plants.

This episode looks into topic B3.1, gas exchange to understand the adaptations of gas exchange surfaces and the different processes surrounding gas exchange in animals and plants.

This episode takes a quick look at topic D2.3, water potential. We look into osmosis and its effects on cells as well as water potential and how it impacts the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane. 

Topic D2.2, gene expression, is an only HL topic that looks into epigenetics and gene expression as a whole. We take a look at different mechanism and examples to understand the relevance of gene expression and the impact of environmental factors on it. 

This episode looks at topic D2.1, cell and nuclear division. We discuss the differences between mitosis and meiosis as well as the phases of the two different cell division types and their importance. 

Topic C2.2, neural signalling, looks at the structure and function of neurons and at the process of neural signalling. We take a look at different examples, such as acetylcholine and cocaine, to understand how membrane potentials change to transmit nerve impulses. 

In this episode we take a look at topic C2.1 which is chemical signalling. This is only in the HL syllabus and looks at ligands as signalling molecules and receptors are proteins that they bind to. We take a look at different example of ligands and receptors that initiate a variety of different signalling pathways. 

This episode looks into topic B2.3, cell specialisation. We take a look at the stem cells and their potency and then at the many adaptations of different cells to perform their specific functions. 

Topic B2.2, organelles and compartmentalisation is largely an HL topic that takes a look at the role of compartmentalisation and separation in eukaryotic cells. We take a look at the structures of mitochondria and chloroplasts as well as the nucleus, the Golgi apparatus and vesicles. 

In this episode we dive into topic B2.1, membranes and membrane transport to understand the selective permeability of cell membranes and how molecules are transported into and out of cells. 

This episode looks into topic A2.3, viruses, which is an HL topic. We discuss the features and structures in viruses and take a look at the different approaches of infections. I also discuss a couple of examples in the syllabus guide to understand virus diversity and evolution. 

In this episode we take a look at topic A2.2, cell structure. We discuss the structures and organelles in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells as well as the microscopy techniques and the endosymbiosis theory. 

In this episode we dive into topic A2.1, origins of cells. This is an HL topic that looks into the conditions of prebiotic Earth that led to the formation of organic carbon compounds and eventually gave life to the first true cells. We look into the existence of LUCA and evidence for the evolution of cells to understand how cells formed and evolved.

This episode looks into topic D1.3, mutation and gene editing. We take a look at causes and consequences of genetic mutation and discuss the impact that mutations may have on organisms and evolution. The HL content also takes a look at gene editing techniques including gene knockout and CRISPR-Cas9. 

In this episode we look into topic D1.2, protein synthesis. We look into transcription and translation as essential processes in cells and key steps in the synthesis of polypeptides.  

This episode takes a quick look into topic D1.1 which is DNA Replication. We discuss the most important enzymes needed for the process as well as the applications of different laboratory techniques relating to DNA replication. 

In this episode we dive into topic C1.3, photosynthesis, in order to understand the conversion of light energy into chemical energy within organisms. We take a look at the points in the syllabus guide to understand the process of photosynthesis and its importance for organisms. 

This episode looks into topic C1.2, cell respiration. A larger portion of this topic is HL and looks into the reactions that occur during both aerobic and anaerobic cell respiration to understand the production of ATP in living organisms. 

In this episode we take a look at topic C1.1, namely enzyme and metabolism. This episode contains several key points for other topics in the syllabus and includes some examples that must be known. The points in the guide are expanded on to understand the mechanism of action of different enzymes and inhibitors that regulate metabolic reactions. 

In this episode we take a look at topic B1.2 which discusses proteins. The points and examples in the syllabus guide are looked at and explained in order to give an insight into protein structure and function. A short part of this topic is SL, but even the HL content can be helpful to answer Paper 2 essay-style questions in the exams. 

In this episode I discuss topic B1.1, carbohydrates and lipids. All the content in this episode is part of the SL course and we discuss the subtopics given in the syllabus guide. The episode dives into the structure of both of these types of macromolecules and their functions in living organisms.

In this episode we dive into topic A1.2, or nucleic acids. The points and examples in the syllabus guide are both discussed and explained to give an insight into not only the structure but also the importance and role of nucleic acids to all forms of life.

In this episode we take a look into topic A1.1, which is water. The several points provided in the IB DP Biology guide are discussed and explained to give an insight into water as the medium of life and the properties that make it essential to various organisms.