Passionate West Chester University Science tutor offers interactive Earth and Environmental Science teaching.

The Student and Tutor reviewed two comprehensive microbiology topics. First, they covered the human microbiome, discussing microbial ecology, resident communities, and the impact of antibiotics and therapies. Second, they delved into the innate immune system, exploring its barriers, cellular components, recognition mechanisms, and the processes of phagocytosis and inflammation. The Student's upcoming exams and study strategies were also briefly discussed.

Student and Tutor reviewed advanced biochemistry topics including hemoglobin and myoglobin oxygen binding mechanisms, the allosteric effect, and protein solubility based on amino acid side chains and pKa values. They practiced problem-solving related to chemical cleaning agents and discussed the structural roles of specific amino acids in protein turns and the conditions inside cells affecting disulfide bond formation. They concluded by clarifying concepts of secondary and tertiary protein folding.

Student and Tutor prepared for an upcoming exam by practicing case study problems across topics including eukaryotic microorganisms, viruses, physical and chemical control of microbes, and antimicrobial drugs. They focused on applying academic concepts to scenarios and clarifying distinctions between mechanisms and definitions. The Student was advised to prioritize memorizing details regarding antimicrobial drugs and chemical control for their Thursday exam.

Student and Tutor reviewed the student's recent biochemistry exam performance and then discussed protein structure, including insights from a recent research article on protein hardening for drug development. They subsequently focused on a detailed pH problem involving the dipeptide Asp-Glu, calculating its charge at different pH values and determining its isoelectric point.

The Student and Tutor conducted an extensive review of antimicrobial drugs in Microbiology, detailing their mechanisms of action, resistance, and diagnostic tests like Kirby-Bauer and MIC/MBC. They systematically explored drug classes targeting bacterial cell walls, protein synthesis, DNA/RNA, metabolic pathways, and cell membranes, concluding with an example of combination therapy for tuberculosis.

The Student and Tutor extensively reviewed physical and chemical methods for microbial control, covering various sterilization, disinfection, and preservation techniques. They discussed the mechanisms of action, applications, and limitations of different agents and methods, relating them to factors like microbial resistance and environmental conditions. The Tutor and Student also planned to meet the following Sunday, with a potential schedule adjustment for the subsequent week due to the Student's fall break.