Last Minute Lecture

Nitrogen, Sulfur, and Phosphorus Assimilation Pathways Explained | Chapter 12 of Plant Physiology and Development Chapter 12 of Plant Physiology and Development examines how plants convert inorganic mineral nutrients into the organic molecules that support growth, metabolism, and development. Because nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus are major components of amino acids, nucleic acids, ATP, coenzymes, and membrane structures, their assimilation is essential for plant life. This chapter explains the biochemical pathways that transform nitrate, ammonium, sulfate, and phosphate into biologically useful compounds, and highlights how these pathways are regulated by environmental signals, carbon metabolism, and cellular energy status. For a clear overview of these processes, watch the full Last Minute Lecture summary below. Watch the full chapter breakdown here: Nitrogen Uptake and Reduction Pathways Plants absorb nitrogen primarily as nitrate (NO₃⁻) and ammonium (NH₄⁺) . These for...

Microbial Metabolism — Glycolysis, Fermentation, Respiration & Biosynthesis Explained | Chapter 3 of Brock Biology of Microorganisms Welcome to Last Minute Lecture , where we break down complex textbooks into clear and concise summaries. In this post, we’ll explore Chapter 3 of Brock Biology of Microorganisms , which introduces the fascinating and diverse metabolic strategies used by microorganisms. From energy production and redox chemistry to biosynthesis and nitrogen fixation, this chapter reveals how microbes power life in virtually every environment on Earth. 🎥 Watch the complete video summary here: This post expands on all the key metabolic concepts, making it perfect for exam prep, academic enrichment, or just a deeper understanding of microbial physiology. Core Concepts of Microbial Metabolism Metabolism encompasses all chemical processes that occur within a cell, divided into two major branches: Catabolism: Breaks down molecules to release energy (e.g., g...

Soil and Plant Nutrition — Essential Elements, Mutualisms, and Sustainable Practices Explained | Chapter 37 of Biology Healthy soil is the foundation of productive plant life, acting as a dynamic ecosystem that supports growth, nutrient acquisition, and sustainable agriculture. Chapter 37 of Biology explores the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil, how plants acquire essential elements, and the role of soil organisms and farming practices in maintaining fertility. Whether you're preparing for exams or want to deepen your understanding of plant nutrition and soil ecology, this guide offers a complete breakdown of key terms and concepts. Watch the full podcast summary below and continue reading for an in-depth review of soil structure, nutrient cycling, plant-microbe interactions, and soil conservation strategies. Introduction: The Living World Beneath Our Feet Soil is a complex, living environment made up of inorganic minerals, organic matter (humus...