Geologic evidence indicates that planet Earth is around 4.54 billion years old.  Fast forward a mere 740 million years and life would finally grab hold on our terraqueous planet in the form of the first prokaryotes.  These members of the domains Archaea and Bacteria were then able to enjoy 1.1 billion years of solitude until the first eukaryotes evolved in a splendid display of symbiosis.

In this week’s blog post, I would like for you to do some research on the evolution of eukaryotic cells.  Investigate the endosymbiotic theory, tell me everything you learn about it, and be sure to discuss how the mitochondrion and chloroplast were key to the development of the theory.  These two organelles are going to be incredibly important as we move forward in AP Biology.

Be sure to use at least 3 sources. Please cite them in APA format.

There seems to be an influx of sodas nowadays that brag about being made with “Real Sugar.” So why are we now shying away from the much used but maligned High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) and opening our arms and gullets once again to cane sugar (sucrose)? Is HFCS really to blame for our obesity epidemic or has it become the scapegoat for a much wider dietary issue?

Be sure to properly cite any sources you use! They do not have to be primary sources, but they must be cited in APA format.

Be sure to answer the following questions in your blog.

1) When and why did HFCS come into existence? Do some research! Be accurate and detailed!

2) How is HFCS made? Do some research! Be accurate and detailed!

3) How are sucrose (cane sugar) and HFCS chemically the same and different on the molecular level? Do some research! Be accurate and detailed!

4) How are both sucrose and HFCS processed by our bodies? Be specific about the processes for glucose and fructose. Do some research! Be accurate and detailed!

5) The verdict: Is HFCS actually worse than sucrose (cane sugar)?

 

Hello AP Biology,

Throughout the year, you will be writing and sharing weekly blog posts on an array of topics.  They will always be due Thursday at midnight.  For your first blog post, I would like you to answer the following questions in order for me to get to better know you as a person.  Take your time on this; these should not be one line answers.  I want you to do some serious self-reflection.  Please write your responses as a cohesive essay.

1. Who are you? Give me a short introduction.
2. What are you looking forward to (or dreading) this school year?
3. How will you decide where to apply to college?
4. What are the best aspects of you?
5. What habits do you wish you could get rid of?
6. What would you do with your life if there were no limits?
7. How would you like to help our world?
8. Where in the world would you like to get lost?
9. When was the last time you read a book that had a major influence on you?
10. What am I most passionate about?