GAMSAT Biology Crash Course Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Lecturer: Jesse, a tutor from Melbourne specializing in GAMSAT preparation.
• Focus: Final installment of Biology crash course series for GAMSAT Section 3 (science section).
• Objective: Condense essential biology theory required for GAMSAT into a concise format for non-science backgrounds.
• Approach: Familiarize with concepts to apply reasoning, not just learning information.

Lecture Outline

1. Gene Expression
2. Enzymes
3. Hormonal and Neural Maps
4. Metabolism and Photosynthesis

Gene Expression

• Definition: Process of converting DNA into a final protein product.
• Key Steps:
  • Transcription:
    • Converts DNA into mRNA using RNA polymerase.
    • Important to understand structure (3' and 5' ends) but not to memorize details.
  • Translation:
    • Converts mRNA into a polypeptide sequence of amino acids via ribosomes.
    • Involves recognizing codons and corresponding tRNA carrying amino acids.

Enzymes

• Role: Increase reaction rates by lowering activation energy.
• Characteristics:
  • Often end in "-ase"
  • Specific substrates due to complementary active sites.
  • Optimum conditions for activity include specific temperature and pH ranges.
• Graphical Representation:
  • Energy profile diagram showing catalyzed vs. uncatalyzed reactions.

Hormonal and Neural Maps

• Understanding Maps:
  • Use stimulation (positive) and inhibition (negative) pathways.
  • Analyze maps like on-off switches; interpret pathways based on stimulatory or inhibitory effects.

Metabolism and Photosynthesis

• Metabolism:
  • Combination of catabolism (breakdown) and anabolism (build-up).
  • Key processes involve glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and electron transport chain.
  • Mitochondria as the powerhouse of the cell, essential for energy production.
• Photosynthesis:
  • Unique to plants, converts sunlight into chemical energy (glucose).
  • Occurs in chloroplasts and involves a balanced chemical equation.

Summary

• Biology in GAMSAT: More skills-based with fewer theoretical demands.
• Preparation Advice: Videos cover essential skills but understanding the problem-solving aspect is crucial.
• Further Resources: Physics and Chemistry crash course videos available.

Conclusion

• Feedback and Future Plans: Series is intended to define limits of GAMSAT biology requirements; potential future series on math.
• Additional Resources: Encouragement to view other crash course series available for comprehensive preparation.