Intro to Biochemistry and Enzyme Learning Activities (Distance Learning)

This zip file contains 13 different activities in 41 pages which can be used to compose a unit for biology students introducing them to biochemistry and enzyme structure and function. Answer keys are provided for all activities. All documents (except the PowerPoint) are provided in pdf as well editable word format to meet individual teacher and classroom needs. With the exception of the two hands on labs, these documents are well suited for use in distance learning environments. 

Specifically contained within the zip file are the following items: 

• Marzano self assessment scale for students specific to this unit
• Cloze completion notes handout for students with learning goals
• 117 slide PowerPoint to accompany the cloze completion notes
• Nutrients and Indicators Lab activity with key
• Introduction to Enzymes Lab activity with key
• Basic Chemistry Worksheet with key
• Biochemistry worksheet 1 with key
• Biochemistry worksheet 2 with key
• Biochemistry worksheet 3 with key
• Enzyme graphing skills worksheet with associated PowerPoint with answers explained
• Enzyme Worksheet with answer key
• Biochemistry and Introduction to Enzymes Unit Exam with answer sheet and key
• Curriculum Correlations to the NGSS, Common Core and NY State Living Environment Core Curriculum standards  

Learning Goals 

Upon the completion of this unit the student will: 

1. define the following terms; element, atom, compound, and molecule.

2. distinguish between organic and inorganic compounds.

3. explain the difference between molecular and structural formulae.

4. explain how the pH scale measures the strength of acids and bases.

5. list three properties of acids and bases.

6. describe how litmus is used as an indicator for acids and bases.

7. explain the difference between a synthesis and chemical digestion reaction.

8. list several examples of carbohydrates.

9. explain the difference between a monosaccharide, disacharide, and polysaccharide sugar.

10. recognize that carbohydrates are formed from simple sugar subunits.

11. list three examples of polysaccharides and state their functions.

12. list some examples of lipids and some basic functions of these.

13. state the basic functions of phospholipids and neutral fats.

14. list the major functions of proteins in the body.

15. recognize that proteins are composed of amino acid subunits.

16. recognize that antibodies, enzymes, and many hormones are proteins.

17. explain in a sentence or two why there are so many possible kinds of proteins.

18. name two different kinds of nucleic acids and state their functions.

19. explain what is meant by a catalyst.

20. recognize that enzymes are organic catalysts composed chiefly of protein.

21. recognize that enzyme names tend to end in -ase.

22. explain how enzymes influence the activation energy needed to start a chemical reaction and why this is significant to life.

23. explain how the functioning of the enzyme substrate complex allow enzymes to be reused in reactions.

24. explain what is meant by the active site of an enzyme and relate the shape of an enzyme to its function.

25. explain what is meant by the "Lock and Key" concept of enzyme activity.

26. define the terms substrate, active site, and coenzyme.

27. explain how the following factors influence the activity of most enzymes; pH, temperature, and concentration of enzyme or substrate. 

NGSS Learning Standard 

HS-LS1-6. Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other elements to form amino acids and/or other large carbon-based molecules. 

Common Core State Standards Connections: 

ELA/Literacy 

RST.11-12.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to important distinctions the author makes and to any gaps or inconsistencies in the account. 

WHST.9-12.2 Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical processes. 

WHST.9-12.5 Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience. 

WHST.9-12.9 Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. 

Mathematics 

MP.4 Model with mathematics. 

NY State Living Environment Core Curriculum

Performance Indicator 1.2 

Describe and explain the structures and functions of the human body at different organizational levels (e.g., systems, tissues, cells, organelles). 

Major Understandings 

1.2h Many organic and inorganic substances dissolved in cells allow necessary chemical reactions to take place in order to maintain life. Large organic food molecules such as proteins and starches must initially be broken down (digested to amino acids and simple sugars respectively), in order to enter cells. Once nutrients enter a cell, the cell will use them as building blocks in the synthesis of compounds necessary for life. 

Performance Indicator 5.1 

Explain the basic biochemical processes in living organisms and their importance in maintaining dynamic equilibrium. 

Major Understandings 

5.1c In all organisms, organic compounds can be used to assemble other molecules such as proteins, DNA, starch, and fats. The chemical energy stored in bonds can be used as a source of energy for life processes. 

5.1f Biochemical processes, both breakdown and synthesis, are made possible by a large set of biological catalysts called enzymes. Enzymes can affect the rates of chemical change. The rate at which enzymes work can be influenced by internal environmental factors such as pH and temperature. 

5.1g Enzymes and other molecules, such as hormones, receptor molecules, and antibodies, have specific shapes that influence both how they function and how they interact with other molecules. 

Appendix A Laboratory Checklist 

¥ Follows safety rules in the laboratory

¥ Selects and uses correct instruments

¥ Uses graduated cylinders to measure volume

¥ Uses thermometer to measure temperature

¥ Makes observations of biological processes

¥ Follows directions to correctly use and interpret chemical indicators

¥ States an appropriate hypothesis

¥ Differentiates between independent and dependent variables

¥ Identifies the control group and/or controlled variables

¥ Collects, organizes, and analyzes data, using a computer and/or other laboratory equipment

¥ Organizes data through the use of data tables and graphs

¥ Analyzes results from observations/expressed data

¥ Formulates an appropriate conclusion or generalization from the results of an experiment

¥ Recognizes assumptions and limitations of the experiment

Bundle and Save! 

Many more biology materials are available from Monday's Rescue.   The Biology/Life Science Course contains 22 units which can be used to develop a full year course.   A purchase of the Biology/Life Science Course provides significant savings of over 70% compared to purchasing each of the 22 units individually.  This course is available for $24.99.   It contains over 900 pages of learning materials and 1500 plus PowerPoint slides. 

This year long course contains the following units:

• Life Processes and Introduction to Classification Learning Activities
• Cell Structure and Function Lesson Activities
• Membrane and Membrane Processes Learning Activities
• Introduction to Biochemistry and Enzymes Lesson Activities
• Human Nutrition Learning Activities
• Human Circulation Learning Activities
• Immunity Lesson and Lab Activities
• Human Respiration Learning Activities
• Introduction to Cell Respiration Learning Activities
• Introduction to Human Excretion and Human Locomotion Learning Activities
• Nervous and Endocrine Systems Lesson Activities
• Introduction to Mitosis and Asexual Reproduction Lesson Activities
• Introduction to Meiosis Lesson Activities
• Reproduction and Development Lesson Activities
• Plant Systems and Adaptations Lesson Activities
• Photosynthesis Learning Activities
• Plant Reproduction and Development Lesson Activities
• Classical Genetics Learning Activities (Mendelian and Beyond Mendel)
• Introduction to DNA, RNA, Protein Synthesis and Biotechnology Lesson Activities
• Introduction to Evolution Lesson Activities
• Ecology Lesson Activities
• Human Ecology Learning Activities
• Complete NY State Living Environment Regents Review Packets with Answers 

View the contents of the whole year course in more detail at  Biology/Life Sciences Complete Course

Terms of Use

Purchase of the product is for classroom use by the purchaser only. It is a violation for individuals, schools, and districts to redistribute or sell this item on the Internet or to other individuals. I do encourage you to use and edit these documents to suit your needs with your own students in distance learning environments.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.