az-studies-blog

[az-studies-blog]

speaking it into existence xoxoxo

Happiness Will Come To You.

[az-studies-blog]

thank you for nominating me evie! xoxo

1. my fave book of all time has to be noughts & crosses by malorie blackman, it’s one of the most powerful reads and i strongly recommend giving it a go. 

2. my friends would probably describe me as a smart-arse w like a mothering personality, so i like making sure that everyone’s okay.

3. have to be honest, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN pls help x

4. oooo that’s a hard one because the seaside is more likely to be crowded and that’s not really my thing if i’m trying to relax so the countryside i think, but if i had like a private island then definitely the seaside. the sea is so beautiful, even though i can’t swim :)

5. i don’t think i have one, depends on my mood and the season and a whole load of things. i admire ppl who can stick to an aesthetic bc i just can’t, and i used to get so angry at myself about it but now i accept it.

6. my ultimate ultimate dream job would be a pilot, i absolutely adore planes and they interest me so much BUT i wanna have kids in the future and i wouldn’t be able to spend time w them + its too expensive to train so i’d rather be a doctor instead.

7. i adore ellen pompeo from grey’s anatomy, like her vibe of not giving a flying frick about anything is just a whole mood. she lives her life loving what she does and i hope to be like that someday.

8. reading for real, and watching tv, like you can just get lost in a world completely different to your own.

9. CHUCK AND BLAIR FROM GOSSIP GIRL DON’T @ ME ON THAT ONE

10. does revising until 1 and waking up at 4 count? asking for a friend x

11. i don’t think i’ve really tried it bc of all the bad things i’ve heard, but i feel like it wouldn’t be for me.

i nominateeeee @tomstudyblr , @delstudiess , @study-harder and anyone else, feel free!!!

Eleven Q&A

Nominated by the lovely @beta-ceti

1~Favourite TV series? 

My favourite TV series of all time has to be The Mighty Boosh. It always just brings back good memories and I still manage to find it funny after having watched it so many times. 

2~A song you can’t stop listening to

Probably “Best Friend” from Bare: The Musical. I love Alice Lee & Taylor Trensch so much. I’m pretty sure i have listened it almost everyday this week, so i guess that classifies as a song that i can’t stop listening to.

3~Does your personality match your Zodiac sign?

On most levels i’d say yes. I’m a cancer and for the most part i am pretty emotional and I also really like water 😂.

4~Favourite place to relax?

My room tbh. I have a really good bean bag which is the perfect place to read when i need time to myself.

5~Something exciting that’s coming up

In August i’m taking the train with the rest of my friends to Weymouth as la kind of last get together before we all go off to different six-forms/colleges.

6~How organised are you?

I guess it depends? Some weeks i could be the most organised person you meet and the next I won’t even be able to remember where i put the pen that was just in my hand. I guess the same could be said for when i make plans, i either know everything about what’s happening or I don’t even know when it is as i haven’t written it down. So i’m claiming this as averagely organised 😂.

7~Favourite youtuber?

I don’t really have one as i usually use youtube for watching random videos or songs so i never really watch the same youtuber repetitively.

8~Any random hobbies?

I quite like origami and i play the piano but i don’t think either of those are very random.

9~Favourite place you’ve ever visited?

I visited a really nice place in France a couple of years ago but i can’t think where it was at all.

10~What did you want to be when you were younger?

I wanted to be a writer, astronaut, firefighter, police officer, and a vet all at the same time.

11~Did you have to Google your Zodiac sign for #3?

Yes, yes i did.

My nominations are: @sapphoslegatee, @kankenstudy, @gracesstudyspace, @medblurred, @az-studies, @knibsey, @nouvellestudy, @smartgirlslikeadventures, @coffestudying, @kai–studies, @pomodorostudy

My questions:

1~ Favourite book/book series? (doesn’t have to be current)

2~How would your friends describe you?

3~What is your MBTI type?

4~Which do you prefer: seaside or countryside?

5~Favourite aesthetic?

6~If you could have any job in the world, what would you choose?

7~Do you have any idols or favourite people?

8~What helps you to relax?

9~Any ships you love?(Fandom or boat, i’m not picky)

10~Do you have any rituals for before exams or important events?

11~Marmite, do you love it or hate it?

[az-studies-blog]

20/20 TAG

Thank you @tomstudyblr for the nomination!! <3

Rules: answer 20 questions and tag 20 followers you would like to get to know better.

Name: Natasha

Nickname: Tasha, buttt I prefer to be called Natasha

Zodiac sign: Aquarius

Height: 5′3 at most, v v short

Languages spoken: English, and some French (to gcse level).

Nationality: British

Favourite fruit: Pears, but when they’re like superrr ripe

Favourite season: Autumn

Favourite colour: Red

Favourite animal: Cats, adoreee them!

Coffee, Tea, Hot chocolate: Tea, butt coffee is the reason I survived exams, thanks nescafe x

Average hours of sleep: 6-7 hours usually, but during exams, I was getting 5 hours at most :(

Favourite fictional characters: too many to list

Dream trip: Promise you, I’ll be travelling around the world and livin lavish so every country is a dreammm

Blog created: Some time during Year 10 or Year 9

thanks again for the nomination tom! x sorry it took so long, i was on hiatus but now I’m back + better than evaaa!

[az-studies-blog]

left it so so late & im going to a wedding tomorrow but it’s gonna be a late night🤷🏾‍♀️ cramming for exams is a stress I never thought I’d experience😭 let’s see if I can get this done, I’ll post if I do. wish me luck!!

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important reminder guys!

ways to study for exams that are actually productive

use actual note cards for vocab. yes, apps like quizlet are dandy when you’re on the go, but actually physically writing out each note card helps put the information into memory faster than typing them.

visual learner? make charts and diagrams. they don’t have to be pretty. the lines don’t have to be perfectly straight. it doesn’t have to be photogenic. but if it helps you learn, do it.

after you take notes (in class or at home/from your text book), write down possible quiz questions about the material on the next page while it’s still fresh in your mind. later on when you’re studying for the test, use these questions to gauge what specifics out of that chapter you need to work on the most.

start sooner rather than later. i know, you’ve heard this a million times from every teacher ever. but it’s legit. especially as you get into harder level classes and college courses because there is literally so much material that the tests cover that you simply can not accurately learn all of it over night. instead, start about 10 days in advance (but of coarse, the sooner the better).

studying doesn’t have to be a big giant study session that takes hours. if you start far enough in advance, study sessions can be around an hour, hell even 45 minutes is a good. if you go too long in one study session your brain will be fried and studying will be pointless because your brain won’t be processing any of it. that’s why it’s important to take breaks and not just cram for 5 hours the night before an exam.

actually study. hold yourself accountable and make your education a priority. if you have homework and studying to do, make it a priority over going partying or watching tv. there will be another party. you can dvr your show. you can’t take your test on a later day because you don’t feel ready. so be ready.

be careful with study groups. if you have a study group with all of your best friends, lets face it, you’re going to end up spending more time talking about harry styles and supernatural than actually studying. it’s better to have a study group with people who are your friends, but not best friends. and it’s better to keep it between 5-7 people so that everyone can be involved.

if the material is just super confusing and you can’t seem to understand it no matter how hard you study, it’s not you. it’s the way you were taught it. each teacher teaches a bit differently, and maybe their style of teaching just isn’t for you. if this happens, find a way that explains it the best for you. for example, if chemistry is just super confusing for you, try watching the Crash Course chemistry videos on youtube or have a friend explain it to you. this will give you a completely different perspective on the material and will help you understand it better.

at the end of the day, remember that everything will be okay. studying can be stressful, especially if it’s in a class that you struggle in. but i promise you that you are not the only one who struggles sometimes in school, it’s a part of being human. as long as you actually put in an effort and try your best, be proud of yourself. take a deep breath. and remember: you got this.

[az-studies-blog]

history revision ft. some beautiful flowers 💐 I have my mocks next week and I cannot be bothered but A DOCTOR IS WHAT I WANT TO BE AND A DOCTOR IS WHAT I WILL BE!

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reblog if ur mom is smart and beautiful

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I LEARNT ABOUT THIS TODAY WHATTTT

DNA and the Genetic Code

After a short hiatus, I am back with a post on the nature of DNA, including a summary of what it is, what genes are, and what kinds of mutations occur. Next up is meiosis and I have plans for a post on protein synthesis (transcription, translation). Happy studying!

DNA is a polynucleotide made up of the monomer units of nucleotides. Nucleotides consist of an organic base, a pentose sugar and a phosphate group. In DNA, the bases can either be adenine, cytosine, guanine or thymine, and the pentose sugar is deoxyribose. Nucleotides are held together in complementary base pairing using hydrogen bonds – the bond between the sugar and the phosphate are called phosphodiester bonds. DNA exists in a double helix, containing two strands which run antiparallel to each other. Genetic information is stored in the base sequence of DNA.

Prokaryotes have no membrane-bound nucleus and their DNA is usually free-floating in the cytoplasm. Their DNA is arranged into a singular loop (circular) but some bacterium can also have extra circles of DNA called plasmids. Plasmids usually contain additional genes for survival such as antibiotic resistance. Eukaryotes, on the other hand, have linear chromosomes tightly coiled around proteins called histones in the nucleus. The existence of circular DNA in mitochondria or chloroplasts gives evidence that these organelles were derived from prokaryotic cells that had been engulfed.

Genetic information codes for the functions of cells by instructing what proteins the cells should make. There are 20 amino acids, which are the building blocks of polypeptides and therefore proteins. Because there are 20 amino acids, we know that it must be necessary to have three bases coding for each acid. A triplet codon essentially means the three bases which make up a code for a certain amino acid.

However, having three bases coding for each amino acid offers a total of 64 coding combinations means there are 44 which code for things other than amino acids. Some of these remaining codons code for existing amino acids, e.g. UUU and UUC both code for phenylalanine. Therefore, we can say that the genetic code is degenerate, since some of the codes are redundant. Other sequences may code for the start or stop of a polypeptide production.

The genetic code is said to be universal, since most triplets code for the same amino acids in different organisms. It is also said to be non-overlapping, because each base in the sequence is only read once. This means that the code UCCGAC can only be read as UCC GAC and not UCC CCG CGA GAC.

Genes are sections of DNA which code for polypeptides and functional RNA such as rRNA or tRNA. Polypeptides make up proteins so genes essentially code for proteins in an organisms. Genes are always located on a particular position on a section of DNA called a locus. The same genes are found at the same locus on every chromosome.

Chromosomes become visible at the start of mitosis (cell division). They are shown to be two ‘threads’ joined at the centre. Each thread is called a chromatid and is held together by histones. The centre of a chromosome is a centromere. Eukaryotes have varying numbers of chromosomes – humans have 23 from each parent (haploid) making the diploid number of 46 chromosomes in every cell. Each pair of chromosomes, derived from our mothers and fathers, are called homologous pairs because each one carries the same genes but not the same alleles.

An allele is an alternative form of a gene. For example, everyone has the code for eyes but you may inherit green eyes from your mother and blue eyes from your father. If the alleles are the same, it is likely you will present that characteristic. If they are different, the alleles will have different base sequences so code for a different polypeptide.

Changes in base sequences lead to mutations, meaning a change in the protein’s function. There many kinds of mutation. Imagine we start with the code BIG RED FOX.

Substitution mutations occur when nucleotides are replaced by a different nucleotide. As with any mutation, this could cause no effect (due to the code being degenerate – the replacement may code for the same amino acid as before). However, some substitutions can change a cell entirely. The polypeptide produced will differ by a single amino acid which could be crucial in functions such as forming the tertiary structure of a protein or preventing the contraction of sickle-cell anemia.

Our code may now read correctly but does not mean the same thing:

BUG RED FOX

Another kind of mutation is the deletion of bases, which could cause a frameshift. This occurs when a nucleotide is lost from the normal DNA sequence and usually means the code for the polypeptide completely changes. Since the code is non-overlapping and read in triplets, one deleted nucleotide causes the sequence to be read differently.

Our code would read:

BIR EDF OX (and would continue with the rest of the sequence – remember, everything is read in triplets!)

A sub-type of a frameshift mutation would be the insertion of a base. As you can see, it also throws the way the code is read:

BIG RED FLO X

Chromosome mutations are not uncommon. These are where whole chromosomes or parts of chromosomes change in structure. They can happen in two ways: the addition of entire chromosomes (e.g. having three or more sets of homologous chromosomes), often called polyploidy, or in a process called non-disjunction.

Non-disjunction is where pairs of chromosomes fail to separate in meiosis. This usually results in gametes with one more or one less chromosome. A typical example of non-disjunction in humans is Down’s syndrome, which is an additional chromosome 21.

SUMMARY

DNA is a polynucleotide made up of the monomer units of nucleotides. These consist of an organic base, a deoxyribose sugar and a phosphate group. The bases can either be adenine, cytosine, guanine or thymine and are held together in complementary base pairing using hydrogen bonds – the bond between the sugar and the phosphate are called phosphodiester bonds. 

DNA exists in a double helix, containing two strands which run antiparallel to each other. Genetic information is stored in the base sequence of DNA.

Prokaryotes have DNA free-floating in the cytoplasm, arranged into a singular loop but some bacterium can also have extra circles of DNA called plasmids. Plasmids usually contain additional genes for survival. 

Eukaryotes have linear chromosomes tightly coiled around proteins called histones in the nucleus. The existence of circular DNA in mitochondria or chloroplasts gives evidence that these organelles were derived from prokaryotic cells that had been engulfed.

There are 20 amino acids so we know that it must be necessary to have three bases coding for each acid. A triplet codon means the three bases which make up a code for a certain amino acid.

Having three bases coding for each amino acid offers a total of 64 coding combinations - therefore are 44 triplets which code for things other than amino acids. Some of these remaining codons code for existing amino acids, therefore the genetic code is degenerate, since some of the codes are redundant. Other sequences may code for the start or stop of a polypeptide production.

The genetic code is said to be universal, since most triplets code for the same amino acids in different organisms. It is also non-overlapping, because each base in the sequence is only read once.

Genes are sections of DNA which code for polypeptides and functional RNA. Genes are always located on a particular position on a section of DNA called a locus.

Chromosomes are made of to be two ‘threads’ joined at the centre. Each thread is called a chromatid, held together by histones. The centre of a chromosome is a centromere. Each pair of chromosomes, derived from our mothers and fathers, are called homologous pairs because each one carries the same genes but not the same alleles.

An allele is an alternative form of a gene. 

Changes in base sequences lead to mutations, meaning a change in the protein’s function. 

Substitution mutations occur when nucleotides are replaced by a different nucleotide. As with any mutation, this could cause no effect (due to the code being degenerate – the replacement may code for the same amino acid as before). However, some substitutions can change a cell entirely. The polypeptide produced will differ by a single amino acid which could be crucial in functions.

The deletion of bases can cause a frameshift. This occurs when a nucleotide is lost from the normal DNA sequence and usually means the code for the polypeptide completely changes. Since the code is non-overlapping and read in triplets, one deleted nucleotide causes the sequence to be read differently.

A sub-type of a frameshift mutation would be the insertion of a base.

Chromosome mutations are where whole chromosomes or parts of chromosomes change in structure. They can happen in two ways: the addition of entire chromosomes (often called polyploidy) or in a process called non-disjunction.

Non-disjunction is where pairs of chromosomes fail to separate in meiosis. This usually results in gametes with one more or one less chromosome. A typical example of non-disjunction in humans is Down’s syndrome, which is an additional chromosome 21.

Happy studying!

[az-studies-blog]

hi everyone! I just wanted you all to see this great blog here, like furthering our education is getting harder and more expensive so I wanna help anyone in any way that I can! if this page is relevant for you, then go check it out and say az-studies sent you!! xoxo

A level and IGCSE notes master post!

Hii, everyone! :-) 

I’m an 18 year old A-level student who’s selling some of her IGCSE and A-level notes

I’ve created this master post so that it’s easier for you to check out notes for the subjects you’re interested in. 

I’ve included pictures and free samples of my notes in every post so you can get a feel of what they’re like.

IGCSEs!

History IGCSE - International Relations (1919-1939) Bundle! History IGCSE - Changes in Medicine Bundle! History IGCSE - The Origins and Course of World War One Bundle! IGCSE English Language A - Anthology Extracts Analysis! 

A levels!

Sociology AS Level - Theory and Methods Bundle! Sociology AS level - Family Unit Bundle! History A- level - Russia Bundle! History A-level - The Origins of World War One Bundle! Chemistry AS Level - Unit 1 Bundle! Biology AS Level - Unit 2 Bundle!

How can you buy these notes?

I’ve included a paypal link for each set of notes in each of the above posts, under the title ‘Click here’. Once you click on that, you will be directed to a checkout page.

After you finish checking out, a ‘return to merchant’ button will appear.

Click on the ‘return to merchant’ button; this will allow you to access a PDF of my notes on a onedrive link.

Click on the little box displayed at the bottom right corner, then click ‘download a copy’, and you’re done! :)

I really hope you find my notes helpful, and if anyone has any questions at all, please feel free to send me a message! :-) 

[az-studies-blog]

a bit of maths from yesterday, I think I was looking at the sine and cosine rules. what larks! I love maths but sadly I don’t think the feeling’s mutual :( happy studying everyone!

[az-studies-blog]

I’m down if you guys are!

GCSE studyblrs

I’m in year 11 and in the middle of mocks at the moment. However after mocks I will have absolutely no motivation to revise so I was thinking that a bunch of gcse studyblrs and I could all work together to create a bunch of (printable??) revision pages, resources and activities that we can use and other people can use too.

What do you think??

I take Maths, English Literature, English Language, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Art, Graphics and Spanish so would be looking for those resources but any subjects would be welcome to contribute and participate.

Message me and/or reblog this to let me know whether you’re interested.

[az-studies-blog]

Pass the happy! 💛 When you get this, reply with 5 things that make you happy and send this to the last 10 people in your notifications!

thank you for asking me! ooo five things hmmmmmm1. food yum ;)2. success3. family & friends xoxo4. the fact that I live in such a privileged country 🇬🇧 5. seeing other people happy because of something that I’ve done, it’s the best feeling x

[az-studies-blog]

Happy (late) Birthday to Me!

It was my birthday a couple of days ago and I turned sweet 16! I know I’m still young and whatnot, but I feel a lil bit more mature. It was (and still is) really weird to be 16, especially since I used to think that it was such a big age, what with My Super Sweet 16 on MTV selling birthday party dreams😂. I’ve learnt some things on my lil life journey, and I have plenty more to experience. I’m rambling now, but yeah, happy late birthday to me!!

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GUYS I GOT £60 FOR MY BIRTHDAY, which is wayyyy more than I expected so it works!!!

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both sexes are equal and we shouldn’t ignore male rape!

Just an experiment. Reblog if you actually give a fuck about male victims of domestic violence and rape.

Of fucking course

What sick bastard doesn’t

[az-studies-blog]

let’s do it

[az-studies-blog]

I WANT ONE!😭

im SCREAMIBG