Biochem Chapter 6 Exercises

 

I. Concept Map

Objective:

Create a concept map to visualize your understanding of lipid and protein metabolism. This activity evaluates your ability to integrate ideas from the provided reading and external knowledge, as well as your critical thinking.

Instructions:

1. Use black ink to include information directly from the provided reading.
2. Use red ink to write any questions or uncertainties you have about the topic.
3. Use blue ink to answer your question and/or add related information from other sources, experiences, or your own research.
4. Ensure all connections are clearly labeled, logical, and reflect thoughtful analysis.
5. Submit the concept map at the beginning of the the face-to-face class.

Evaluation Criteria:

• 10 points: All three colors used correctly and appropriately.
• 8 points: Two colors used correctly.
• 6 points: One color used correctly.
• 5 points: One color used incorrectly.
• 4 points: Two colors used incorrectly and/or the concept map is lacking.
• 3 points: All colors used incorrectly.
• 0 point: The concept map is not based on the reading selection.

Total Grade:

Midterm (30 points): 

Concept Map 1 = 10 points, Concept Map 2 = 10 points, Concept Map 3 = 10 points

Final Term (30 points):  

Concept Map 1 = 10 points, Concept Map 2 = 10 points, Concept Map 3 = 10 points

Passing  Grade per term: 18 points

II. Oral Discussion

Objective:

This activity aims to enhance your understanding of the biochemical principles related to lipid and protein metabolism and their relevance to agricultural applications. You will analyze real-world agricultural challenges, evaluate the role of these biochemical factors, and propose science-based solutions. This exercise fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application of biochemistry in agriculture.

Instructions:

1. Carefully read the case study provided to understand its context, challenges, and the biochemical factors (lipid and protein metabolism) influencing agricultural practices..
2. Use the discussion questions to explore the role of beta-oxidation, lipogenesis, protein metabolism, or protein turnover in the case study. Examine how these biochemical factors impact soil health, crop growth, and sustainable farming practices.
3. Identify how these biochemical principles are applied to address agricultural challenges. Evaluate both the positive and negative effects of the practices or technologies presented in the case study.
4. Apply key biochemical concepts such as lipid and protein metabolism in biological processes. Relate these concepts to practical agricultural applications and challenges.
5. Work in your assigned groups to develop insights and solutions. Focus on how biochemical principles can optimize agricultural outcomes while considering environmental and economic impacts.
6. Three members will be randomly chosen to present your group’s findings, so ensure everyone is prepared to contribute. 

Evaluation Criteria:

1. Application of Biochemical Concepts (5 points):

   • Are biochemical concepts clearly identified and explained?
   • Does the group demonstrate a strong understanding of how these concepts apply to the case study and agricultural practices?

2. Relevance to Agricultural Applications (5 points):

   • Does the analysis address the agricultural challenges and opportunities highlighted in the case study?
   • Are the proposed solutions practical and informed by the biochemical principles discussed?

3. Critical and Environmental Analysis (5 points):

   • Does the response thoughtfully integrate environmental, social, and economic considerations into the evaluation of the case study?
   • Is there a balanced critique of the benefits, risks, and trade-offs associated with the practices or technologies analyzed?

Agriculture Students

Case Study 1: Enhancing Livestock Feed Efficiency

Context:

A local poultry farm is struggling with high feed costs and low growth rates among broilers. The farmers suspect that the digestibility of plant-based protein in the feed is suboptimal, leading to poor nitrogen utilization. They consider supplementing the feed with amino acids or switching to animal-based protein sources but are concerned about the environmental impact and cost.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does protein metabolism, particularly nitrogen balance, affect feed efficiency and broiler growth?

2. What biochemical factors contribute to the lower digestibility of plant-based proteins compared to animal-based proteins?

3. What are the environmental trade-offs of using plant vs. animal protein sources in livestock feed, and how can biochemical principles help optimize sustainability?

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Case Study 2: Lipid Modification in Oilseed Crops

Context:

An agricultural cooperative wants to increase the marketability of their oilseed crops by enhancing their fatty acid profile for better nutritional value and stability. They are considering selective breeding and genetic modification techniques to alter lipid biosynthesis.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do enzymes like fatty acid desaturases (FADs) and fatty acid elongases (FAEs) influence the fatty acid composition of oilseeds?

2. What role does lipogenesis play in determining the nutritional and industrial value of vegetable oils?

3. What are the potential risks and benefits of genetically modifying lipid biosynthesis pathways in crops?

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Case Study 3: Sustainable Soil Management through Nitrogen Cycling

Context:

A rice farmer has observed declining soil fertility and increased reliance on synthetic fertilizers. They are exploring crop rotation and the use of nitrogen-fixing cover crops to improve nitrogen availability naturally.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does protein metabolism contribute to nitrogen cycling in agricultural soils?

2. What are the biochemical mechanisms through which legumes and nitrogen-fixing bacteria improve soil fertility?

3. What are the advantages and challenges of integrating biological nitrogen fixation into traditional farming systems?

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Case Study 4: Optimizing Dairy Cow Nutrition for Milk Production

Context:

A dairy farm wants to enhance milk production by optimizing the fatty acid composition in cows' diets. They are considering increasing the amount of unsaturated fatty acids in the feed but need to ensure it does not negatively impact milk yield or quality.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does lipid metabolism, particularly beta-oxidation and lipogenesis, influence milk fat composition?

2. What are the metabolic consequences of feeding dairy cows a diet high in unsaturated fatty acids?

3. How can a biochemical understanding of lipid metabolism help dairy farmers balance milk yield, quality, and animal health?

Case Study 5: Reducing Nitrogen Pollution in Aquaculture

Context:

A commercial fish farm is experiencing water pollution due to excess nitrogen waste from fish metabolism. Researchers suggest modifying protein content in fish feed and using bacterial biofilters to mitigate the issue.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does protein turnover and nitrogen metabolism contribute to nitrogen waste in aquaculture?

2. What biochemical strategies can be used to improve nitrogen utilization efficiency in farmed fish?

3. What are the ecological and economic implications of adopting biofilters and optimized feeds to reduce nitrogen pollution?

Case Study 6: Biofuel Production from Agricultural Waste

Context:

A biofuel company is developing a method to convert agricultural waste, particularly lipid-rich byproducts, into biodiesel. However, challenges exist in optimizing lipid extraction and conversion efficiency.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does beta-oxidation and lipid metabolism influence the potential of agricultural waste as a biofuel source?

2. What biochemical techniques can improve lipid extraction and conversion into biofuel?

3. How does the use of agricultural byproducts for biofuel production impact food security and environmental sustainability?

III. Online Quiz

Objective:

This activity aims to assess your understanding of key biochemistry concepts, including biomolecular interactions, metabolic pathways, and their application to real-world scenarios, particularly in agriculture and sustainable practices.

Instructions:

Access the quiz through the provided link and answer all questions thoroughly before the deadline. Ensure your responses demonstrate a clear application of biochemistry principles, focusing on the molecular, physiological, and environmental implications in the scenarios presented. Late submissions will not be accepted, so complete the quiz on time.

LINK: ONLINE QUIZ 6 (not yet live)

Deadline: (to be announced)

IV. Public YouTube Video Group 1 & 2

Objective:

To create an engaging 5–8 minute YouTube video that demonstrates your understanding of a scientific study related to the current Biochemistry topic, highlighting its application in agriculture. This exercise aims to evaluate your ability to analyze and connect biochemical principles to practical agricultural solutions while producing a professional, concise, and creative presentation.

Instructions:

Two groups will produce a video showcasing their understanding of a scientific study related to the current Biochemistry topic, highlighting its application in agriculture. The videos will be graded based on editing skills (smooth transitions, clear audio, and proper pacing), content (accurate integration of case study details and critiques), and videography (lighting, composition, camera work, and professional appearance). Once completed, upload your video publicly to YouTube and submit the link as a comment under the designated photo in our private Facebook group. Ensure your work aligns with the provided rubric and maintains a clear, engaging delivery.

Group leaders not assigned to produce a video for the week will give a peer grade for the video of the any of the groups assigned to produce a video. This will serve as their attendance/grade. Only 2 groups are allowed to peer grade a video. Groups leaders can only grade a group once. 

Total Grade:

Midterm (50 points): 

Video 1 = 30 points; Peer Grade 1 = 10 points; Peer Grade 2 = 10 points

Final Term(50 points): 

Video 2 = 30 points; Peer Grade 1 = 10 points; Peer Grade 2 = 10 points

Passing Grade per term: 30 points

V. Speech Group 3 & 4

Objective:

The objective of this activity is to develop your ability to analyze and effectively communicate how lipid and protein metabolism are relevant in agricultural practice. This task challenges you to craft a TED Talk-style presentation that incorporates insights from class discussions and clearly connects your assigned case study to real-world agricultural applications. Your presentation should demonstrate a strong understanding of biochemistry principles and their relevance to sustainable farming and agricultural productivity.

Instructions:

Only members of two groups mentioned above will prepare a 250-word speech based on the how lipid and protein metabolism influence agricultural practices. The speech must integrate all corrections from the oral discussion and adhere to writing mechanics: include a title, your complete name, section, date, group, proper margins, and indentation. Have your manuscript reviewed and checked by your group leader before submitting it in our next face-to-face class. Record your speech  in TED Talk style as a video, ensuring clear delivery, and post the video in the designated album in our private Facebook group. Evaluation will focus on writing mechanics (10 points), content quality (based on the rubric below), and delivery skills (rubric provided).

Students who are not assigned to deliver a speech for the week are expected to give a peer grade by commenting on their post. Only 2 peer grade is allowed per speech. You can only peer grade a classmate once.