Biochemistry Chapter 1 Exercises

  

I. Concept Map

Objective:

Create a concept map to visualize your understanding of the biochemistry, water, pH, and buffers. Include the content of the videos posted in the reading selection. 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 organic water, pH, and buffers, 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 (organic water, pH, and buffers) influencing agricultural practices..
2. Use the discussion questions to explore the role of organic water, pH, and buffers 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 buffer systems, acid-base balance, and the role of water as a solvent and reactant 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 (e.g., buffer systems, pH balance, and the properties of water) 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: Irrigation Water Quality Management

Overview:

In a greenhouse setting, farmers often use municipal water for irrigation. However, this water can have a high pH and alkalinity, which affects plant growth. Farmers tested their irrigation water and found that the pH was consistently above 7.0. They implemented a buffering system using organic acids to lower the pH to an optimal level for crop production.

Discussion Questions:

• How does high pH in irrigation water affect nutrient availability for plants?
• What are the potential consequences of using unbuffered high pH water on crop yield?
• How can farmers monitor and adjust the pH of their irrigation water effectively?

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Case Study 2: Nanotechnology in Food Preservation

Overview:

A farm faced issues with pesticide effectiveness due to high pH levels in the water used for mixing. The farmers incorporated buffer solutions into their pesticide application process to maintain a stable pH between 5.5 and 7, ensuring maximum efficacy of the pesticides.

Discussion Questions:

• Why is it important to maintain a specific pH range when applying pesticides?
• What types of buffer solutions could be used to stabilize the pH during pesticide mixing?
• How might fluctuations in pH impact the financial outcomes of pesticide applications?

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Case Study 3: Soil pH Management

Overview:

A farmer noticed that crops were showing signs of nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron and manganese. Soil tests revealed that the soil pH had risen above 7.5 due to continuous lime applications. The farmer decided to add sulfur to lower the soil pH and improve nutrient availability.

Discussion Questions:

• What role does soil pH play in nutrient solubility and plant health?
• How can farmers determine the appropriate amount of sulfur needed to adjust soil pH?
• What are some alternative methods for managing soil acidity without harming beneficial microorganisms?

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Case Study 4: Buffering Agents in Fertilizer Solutions

Overview:

Researchers developed a new liquid fertilizer that included buffering agents to maintain an optimal pH range during application. This innovation helped prevent nutrient lock-up caused by extreme pH levels, leading to improved crop performance.

Discussion Questions:

• How do buffering agents enhance the effectiveness of liquid fertilizers?
• What are the advantages of using buffered fertilizers compared to traditional fertilizers?
• How can farmers assess the effectiveness of buffered fertilizers in their fields?

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Case Study 5:  Effects of Water Alkalinity on Crop Production

Overview:

In a region with high alkalinity in irrigation water, farmers experienced poor growth in seedlings. They conducted experiments by adding acidifying agents to their irrigation systems, which successfully lowered both pH and alkalinity, resulting in healthier seedlings.

Discussion Questions:

• What is the relationship between water alkalinity and plant growth?
• How can farmers effectively manage high alkalinity in irrigation water?
• What are some potential risks associated with using acidifying agents in irrigation?

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Case Study 6: Impact of Water Quality on Hydroponic Systems

Overview:

A hydroponic farm faced challenges with nutrient absorption due to fluctuating water pH levels. By implementing a continuous monitoring system for water quality and using buffers, they maintained a stable pH, leading to improved plant growth and higher yields.

Discussion Questions:

• Why is stable pH crucial in hydroponic systems compared to traditional soil farming?
• How can technology assist farmers in monitoring and adjusting water quality parameters?
• What lessons can be learned from this case study regarding future innovations in agricultural practices?

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Total Grade:

Midterm (45 points): Oral Discussion 1 = 15 points, Oral Discussion 2 = 15 points, Oral Discussion 3 = 15 points

Final Term(90 points): Oral Discussion 4 = 15 points, Oral Discussion 5 = 15 points, Oral Discussion 6 = 15 points

Passing  Grade per term: 54 points

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 1 (not yet live)

Deadline: (to be announced)

Total Grade:

Midterm (90 points): Online Quiz 1 = 30 points, Online Quiz 2 = 30 points, Online Quiz 3 = 30 points

Final Term(90 points): Online Quiz 4 = 30 points, Online Quiz 5 = 30 points, Online Quiz 6 = 30 points

Passing  Grade per term: 54 points

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 water, pH, and buffers influence agricultural practices. 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 water, pH, and buffers 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.

Total Grade:

Midterm (50 points): Speech = 30 points; Peer Grade 1 = 10 points; Peer Grade 2 = 10 points

Final Term(50 points): Speech = 30 points; Peer Grade 1 = 10 points; Peer Grade 2 = 10 points

Passing Grade per term: 30 points