Expert biology tutor using visual aids and real-world examples for engaging, foundational learning.

The Student and Tutor discussed neuron function, covering vesicle transport, receptor types, and the mechanisms of action of various toxins and anesthetics. The Student reviewed the differences between endocytosis/exocytosis, nicotinic/muscarinic receptors, and the roles of sodium and potassium in neuron function. The next steps involve reviewing class notes to further detail specific pathways and mechanisms.

The student and tutor discussed DNA mutations and their impact on protein synthesis. The student chose to focus on insertion mutations for a poster project. The tutor reviewed various mutation types and clarified the structural requirements for accurately depicting DNA mutations in the poster, including the 5' and 3' ends.

The student reviewed cell signaling pathways, plasma membrane structure, and transport mechanisms with the tutor. They discussed a homework assignment involving a bioluminescence experiment and analyzed questions from a quiz on cell signaling. The session concluded with a discussion of positive and negative feedback loops in biological regulation, planning for future review of additional topics.

The Student and Tutor reviewed polarity, formal charges, and the nomenclature of organic compounds, focusing on alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes. The Student practiced naming different organic compounds, considering carbon chain length, bond types, and substituent positions. The Tutor will send notes to help the Student and they scheduled another session to continue working on chemistry.

The session focused on reviewing the types of chemical bonds, including ionic, covalent, and polar covalent bonds, and relating them to the periodic table. The Student learned about oxidation states, valence electrons, and the role of orbital shapes. The Tutor plans to send organized notes covering the topics discussed, and they scheduled another session.

The Tutor and Student discussed alpha and beta decay, including their processes and resulting changes in atomic structure. They then worked through an example problem involving calculating the remaining amount of a radioactive sample after a certain time using the half-life formula. The session concluded with an introduction to balancing chemical equations, illustrated by the example of photosynthesis.