A Chemical Connection to Biology
This unit introduces basic concepts of chemistry that will apply throughout our study of life. In this unit we will see how emergent properties are apparent at the lowest levels of biological organization - such as the ordering of atoms into molecules and the interactions of those molecules within cells. Somewhere in the transition from molecules to cells, we will cross the blurry boundary between non-life and life. This biochemistry unit focuses on the chemical components that make up all matter.
Labs
4. Properties of Water
5. Toothpickase
4. Properties of Water
5. Toothpickase
Key Concepts:
- Matter consist of chemical elements in pure form and in combinations called compounds.
- Chemical reactions make and break chemical bonds
- Acidic and basic conditions affect living organisms
- Four emergent properties of water contribute to Earth's fitness for life
- Organic chemistry is the study of carbon compounds
- Carbohydrates serve as fuel and building material
- Lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic molecules
- Proteins have many structures, resulting in a wide range of functions
- Nucleic acids store and transmit hereditary information
- Regulation of enzyme activity helps control metabolism
Week 8 October 22 - 26
Monday Oct. 22 Chemistry Review Biochemistry Basics Tuesday Oct. 23 Biochemistry Basics cont. Homework: CN - Ch. 2 2.5 Wednesday Oct. 24 Properties of Water with Lab Thursday Oct. 25 Acids and Bases Properties of Water Lab cont. Friday Oct. 26 Finish Lab Buffer worksheet Homework: CN - Ch. 3 3.2 - 3.6 |
Week 9 October 29 -November 2
Monday Oct. 29 Finish Water Lab Synthesis and breakdown of polymers Tuesday Oct. 30 Expert groups presentations Wednesday Oct. 31 Finish groups (if needed) Fill in any biomolecule gaps Amino Acids - handout #1 Thursday Nov. 1 Amino Acids - handout #2 Friday Nov. 2 Finish Amino Acids handouts 1 and 2 Explore protein folding website Homework: CN Ch. 6 |
Week 10 November 5 - 9
Monday Nov. 5 Free Energy Free Energy POGIL Tuesday Nov. 6 Enzymes Finish Free Energy POGIL Wednesday Nov. 7 Toothpickase Lab Thursday Nov. 8 Review for Summative Assessment Friday Nov. 9 Unit 2 Biochemistry Test Homework: Bozeman Cellular Organelles Bozeman Endosymbiosis |