Moira's STEM Classroom

  Case Study 1:  Managing Rancidity in Animal Feed Context: A poultry farmer notices that chickens fed with a certain brand of fish meal experience slower growth rates and decreased egg production. Laboratory analysis reveals that the fish meal contains oxidized lipids due to improper storage, leading to rancidity. Discussion Questions : Biochemical Application (15 pts):  Explain the biochemical process of lipid oxidation and how it leads to rancidity. Agricultural Relevance (15 pts):  What strategies can farmers use to prevent rancidity in lipid-rich feed? Critical & Environmental Analysis (15 pts):  What are the potential environmental consequences of using rancid feed in large-scale poultry production, and how can sustainable storage practices mitigate these effects? Case Study 1: Managing Rancidity in Animal Feed – High-Scoring Responses 1. Biochemical Application (15 pts): Explain the biochemical process of lipid oxidation and how it leads to rancidit...

  Case Study 1:  Enhancing Drought Tolerance in Maize Context: Drought stress is a major limitation to maize productivity. Under drought, water loss impairs cellular functions, but plants can mitigate damage by accumulating soluble sugars that act as osmoprotectants. Carbohydrate Biochemistry Application: By overexpressing enzymes such as  sucrose phosphate synthase , maize plants accumulate higher levels of soluble sugars (e.g., sucrose and certain oligosaccharides). These sugars help maintain osmotic balance, protect cellular structures, and stabilize proteins during water deficits. Outcome: Enhanced drought tolerance leads to more consistent yields in water-stressed environments, thereby contributing to food security. Discussion Questions : How do soluble sugars function as osmoprotectants in maize, and what specific benefits do they provide under drought stress?? What is the role of sucrose phosphate synthase in sugar biosynthesis, and how does its overexpression enha...