Biochemistry Chapter 5 Exercises

  I. Concept Map

Objective:

Create a concept map to visualize your understanding of carbohydrate 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 carbohydrate 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 (carbohydrate metabolism) influencing agricultural practices..
2. Use the discussion questions to explore the role of photosynthesis, glycolysis and Krebs cycle 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 carbohydrate metabolism 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 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: Drought-Resistant Maize in Sub-Saharan Africa

Context:
Maize is a staple crop in Sub-Saharan Africa, but frequent droughts reduce yields. Scientists have developed drought-resistant maize varieties that enhance carbohydrate metabolism by accumulating sugars and starches during water shortages, helping the plant survive extended dry periods.

Discussion Questions:

• Application of Biochemical Concepts: How does the enhanced accumulation of soluble sugars in drought-resistant maize relate to carbohydrate metabolism (photosynthesis and glycolysis)?

• Relevance to Agricultural Applications: How does improving carbohydrate metabolism in drought-resistant maize impact crop yields and food security in drought-prone regions?

• Critical and Environmental Analysis: What are the potential trade-offs of using drought-resistant maize, considering both environmental sustainability and small-scale farmers’ economic challenges?

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Case Study 2: Sugarcane Harvest Timing for Maximum Sucrose Yield

Context:
In Brazil, sugarcane is a key crop for sugar and bioethanol production. The timing of harvest is crucial because sugarcane reaches peak sucrose concentration at a specific growth stage. Farmers use carbohydrate metabolism insights to determine optimal harvest periods for maximum sugar yield.

Discussion Questions:

• Application of Biochemical Concepts: How does photosynthesis contribute to sucrose accumulation in sugarcane, and how is this linked to glycolysis for energy storage?

• Relevance to Agricultural Applications: How does understanding sucrose metabolism help farmers optimize sugarcane harvesting for higher economic returns?

• Critical and Environmental Analysis: What are the environmental and economic consequences of delaying or accelerating sugarcane harvest based on carbohydrate accumulation trends?

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Case Study 3: Greenhouse Tomato Production and CO₂ Enhancement

Context:
Greenhouse tomato farmers in the Netherlands use CO₂ enrichment to boost photosynthesis, leading to faster growth and higher yields. However, excessive CO₂ can alter the plant’s carbohydrate metabolism and affect fruit sugar levels.

Discussion Questions:

• Application of Biochemical Concepts: How does increased atmospheric CO₂ enhance the Calvin cycle in photosynthesis, leading to improved carbohydrate production?

• Relevance to Agricultural Applications: How does CO₂ enrichment impact tomato fruit quality and sugar content, and what does this mean for consumer preferences?

• Critical and Environmental Analysis: What are the long-term environmental trade-offs of CO₂ enrichment in greenhouse farming?

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Case Study 4: Rice Farming and Nitrogen Fertilization Impact on Starch Formation

Context:
In Southeast Asia, rice farmers apply nitrogen-based fertilizers to increase yields. While nitrogen promotes photosynthesis and grain filling, excessive use leads to imbalanced starch accumulation, affecting rice texture and market quality.

Discussion Questions:

• Application of Biochemical Concepts: How does nitrogen fertilization affect photosynthesis efficiency and starch biosynthesis in rice grains?

• Relevance to Agricultural Applications: How can farmers optimize nitrogen use to enhance rice grain quality without reducing yields?

• Critical and Environmental Analysis: What are the potential environmental risks (e.g., soil degradation, water pollution) associated with excessive nitrogen fertilization in rice farming?

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Case Study 5: Post-Harvest Storage of Potatoes and Glycolysis Regulation

Context:
Farmers in North America store harvested potatoes in low-temperature environments to extend shelf life. However, cold temperatures can trigger cold-induced sweetening, where starch is converted into glucose and fructose through glycolysis, affecting taste and processing quality.

Discussion Questions:

• Application of Biochemical Concepts: How does glycolysis contribute to cold-induced sweetening in stored potatoes, and what enzymatic changes occur?

• Relevance to Agricultural Applications: How can farmers and food processors mitigate the effects of cold-induced sweetening to maintain potato quality?

• Critical and Environmental Analysis: What are the economic and sustainability implications of cold storage for large-scale potato farming?

Case Study 6: Intercropping Legumes with Maize to Improve Soil Carbon Balance

Context:

Farmers in South America practice intercropping, growing legumes (e.g., beans) alongside maize to improve soil carbon and nitrogen levels. Legumes fix atmospheric nitrogen, reducing the maize crop’s dependence on synthetic fertilizers and improving carbohydrate storage.

Discussion Questions:

• Application of Biochemical Concepts: How does the interaction between legumes and maize influence carbohydrate metabolism, particularly in root development and nutrient uptake?

• Relevance to Agricultural Applications: How does intercropping contribute to sustainable farming by improving soil health and crop productivity?

• Critical and Environmental Analysis: What are the limitations or challenges of intercropping in large-scale commercial agriculture?

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 4 (not yet live)

Deadline: (to be announced)

IV. Public YouTube Video Group 5 & 6

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 1 & 2

Objective:

The objective of this activity is to develop your ability to analyze and effectively communicate how carbohydrate 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 carbohydrate 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.