COURSE STRUCTURE
There are nine lessons as follows:
1. Introduction
2. Lipids and Proteins
3. Enzymes
4. Nitrogen and the Nitrogen Cycle
5. Photosynthesis and Respiration
6. Assimilation and Transpiration
7. Acidity and Alkalinity
8. Chemical Analysis
9. Biochemical Applications
COURSE AIMS
*Identify characteristics of common chemical compounds important in plant biochemistry.
*Explain the characteristics of major biochemical groups including; carbohydrates, lipids
and proteins.
* Explain the characteristics of chemicals which control biological processes, including enzymes
and hormones.
*Identify the role of nitrogen in plant biological processes, including the nitrogen cycle.
*Identify the role of photosynthesis in biological systems.
*Explain the role of respiration in plants.
* Explain characteristics of assimilation and transpiration in plants.
*Explain the effect of acidity and alkalinity on biochemical systems.
*Develop simple chemical analysis skills relevant to testing plants and soils.
*Identify applications and uses for biochemical processes and products.
WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THIS COURSE
-Explain the formulae of ten specified, chemical compounds commonly found in plants
-Calculate the percentages of elements contained in two specified chemical compounds
-Differentiate between characteristics of major groups of biochemicals
-Compare differences between monosaccharides and polysaccharides
-Differentiate between a fat and an oil
-Explain the characteristics of a specified protein formula
-Compare two fibrous proteins with two globular proteins
-Explain the functions of carbohydrates in plants
-Explain how one specific enzyme functions in a living organism
-Explain how one specific hormone functions in a living organism
-Compare differences in nitrogen deficiency symptoms in monocotyledons and dicotyledons
-Analyse the nitrogen cycle with diagrams
-Perform an experiment comparing the growth of 4 plants grown under differing light conditions
-Explain the processes of photosynthesis, with diagrams
-Identify the differences between anaerobic and aerobic respiration
-Explain glycolysis, including the sequence of chemical reactions which take place
-Explain the Krebs cycle, including the sequence of chemical reactions involved.
-Compare respiration in a plant with respiration in an animal
-Perform, a simple experiment, showing the movement of dyed water into and through a plant
-Explain how nutrients are moved about in a plant
-Define pH terminology including; acid, alkaline, base and neutral
-Explain plant responses to changes in soil pH
-Analyse the effects of three different fertilizers on the pH of growing media.
-Explain the effects of abnormal pH levels in a specific case study of a physiological
process, in a living organism.
-Identify factors involved in controlling acidity and alkalinity in a specific case study.
-Differentiate between chemical toxicity and tolerance.
-Explain the implications of LD50 characteristics with five different chemical substances.
-List the active toxins in ten poisonous plants which commonly occur in your home locality.
-Explain the effects of two naturally occurring toxins on the human body.
-Determine three different applications for plant tissue culture.
