Lesson 1.3 - Proteins; biochemical reactions & Enzymes

  • Lesson 1.3 - Proteins; biochemical reactions & Enzymes

    Learning Goals: By the end of this lesson you will be able to

    i)                    Illustrate 3D models of Proteins

    ii)                  Describe the chemical structures and mechanisms of various enzymes

    iii)                  Factors that affect enzyme activities.

    • Proteins & Nucleic Acids Concept Questions Assignment

      Proteins

      1. Why can a protein be called a polypeptide but a polypeptide cannot be called a protein?
      2. Explain how the 3-dimensional shape of proteins is formed.
      3. Use a diagram to show how a peptide bond is formed between two amino acids.
      4. Discuss some of the interactions that can occur between the R groups of an amino acid sequence.
      5. Some features of amino acids are common while others are not. Explain.
      6. How does having different R groups make amino acids ideal building blocks for proteins?
      7. Why are some amino acids soluble in water while others are not?
      8. Name three functions of proteins in a living organism.
      9. Which elements are found in proteins but in neither carbohydrates nor lipids.
      10. What type of compound is shown below?
      11. What functional groups are present in both the compounds found below? Circle and label all of the functional groups visible.
      12. Describe what would have to occur to link the two compounds below together. What substance is removed (produced)?
      13. What is the name of the bond this is formed between these two compounds?


      Nucleic Acids

      1. Which element is found in nucleic acids but in neither carbohydrates nor proteins?
      2. You connect a molecule of ribose, a phosphate, and a molecule of cytosine. What have you made?
      3. What does a nucleotide consist of?
      4. What are the five nitrogenous bases found in nucleic acids?
      5. Differenticate between DNA and RNA.
      6. What type of bonds hold the sugar phosphate backbone of DNA & RNA together?
      7. What type of bonds hold the nitrogenous bases of DNA together?
      8. What is ATP?
    • Assignment 1 - Due Mar 18

      Technological Applications of Enzyme Activity


      Learning Goal:

      You will research and present information on an enzyme used in a technological application. The goal is to understand how enzymes function in different industries and their optimal conditions for activity.

      Instructions:

      1. Select one of the topics listed below and find an enzyme relevant to that industry or field.
      2. Research the enzyme:
          • Identify the enzyme and its function.
          • Explain how the enzyme is used in the chosen industry (mechanism, role, and impact).
          • Describe one or more characteristics of the enzyme’s ideal environment (e.g., pH, temperature, substrate concentration).
      1. Presentation:
          • Your findings should be presented in a 1-2 page report (double-spaced, 12 font, Time News Roman or Arial) OR a short PowerPoint presentation (5-7 slides).
          • For Powerpoint presentations: Include a script in the notes section of each slide to explain the content. The script should be concise but detailed enough for someone else to understand and present your work.
          • Include diagrams or images where possible to illustrate concepts. Must be cited if not your own.
          • Cite at least two reliable sources (textbooks, academic articles, reputable websites) in APA style. Include in-text citations in your report or slides.
      Topics:
      1. Bioremediation (e.g., enzymes breaking down pollutants)
      2. Application of enzymes in the food industry (e.g., lactase, amylase in food processing)
      3. Application of enzymes in the pharmaceutical industry (e.g., drug synthesis, enzyme replacement therapy)
      4. Digestive disorders (focus on digestive enzymes, such as lipase and protease)
      5. Enzyme use in health care (e.g., targeting cancer cells, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C treatment)
      6. Radioisotopic labelling (enzymes used for medical imaging and diagnostics)
      7. Forensics (enzymes in DNA analysis, crime scene investigation)

      Submission Format:

      • Submit your project as a PDF document or PowerPoint file to the appropriate drop box in Moodle.
      • Ensure that your name, submitted date, topic, and course code are clearly stated on the first page or slide.
      Additional Notes:
      • Plagiarism will not be tolerated; all work must be your own words. Proper citations and references to information that’s not your own.
      • If you need assistance, feel free to reach out through Moodle chat or request a meeting.
      Evaluation Criteria & Rubric: Total - 35 marks