Moira's STEM Classroom

In the world of agriculture, the chemistry of life intersects with the chemistry of innovation, creating a powerful toolkit for feeding a growing population. Lipids, natural products, and synthetic organic compounds are not just molecules—they are the building blocks of productivity and sustainability. Lipids serve as energy reserves, signaling molecules, and protective barriers for plants and animals.  Natural products, derived from plants, microbes, and other organisms, provide eco-friendly solutions for pest management, plant growth regulation, and soil health. Synthetic organic compounds, crafted by human ingenuity, offer targeted solutions for enhancing crop yields, controlling pests, and fortifying soils.  By understanding the structures, classifications, and reactions of these compounds, as well as their critical roles in agricultural systems, students can unlock new ways to innovate, sustain, and thrive in modern farming. This journey into organic chemistry reveals not...

Learning Outcomes Describe the structure and classification of protein;  Explain the role and function of  protein  in biological systems; Identify common reactions of protein;  and Relate the importance of protein to agricultural practices Structure of Proteins: The Building Blocks of Life and Agriculture As agriculture students, you’re not just studying soil, crops, and livestock—you’re diving into the molecular mechanics of life itself. Proteins are more than just an abstract concept; they’re integral players in the health, growth, and productivity of plants and animals, the foundation of agriculture. Understanding proteins helps you improve crop yield, enhance livestock health, and even develop sustainable agricultural practices. At their core, proteins are versatile, complex molecules made of amino acids. Picture these as beads on a string, held together by peptide bonds , which can fold and twist into intricate structures. These configurations determine th...