Articles tagged as "Biochemistry"

Investigating Thigmotropism

Thigmotropism is an adaptive growth response shown by plants to mechanical stimuli, such as being touched. This resource gives some ideas of ways that structural responses can be explored, providing opportunities for individual student investigations.

Interviews with scientists - Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for human health. But how can we source them sustainably? Professor Johnathan Napier of Rothamstead Research talks about the role that Omega-3 fatty acids play in our diets, how we currently source them from algae via fish, and how he hopes to use genetic engineering to breed plants that produce these molecules in their oils.

Interviews with scientists - How big data is transforming biology

in this 6 minute video, Professor David Salt of the University of Aberdeen introduces the topic of ‘big data’ – huge data sets that are at the heart of much of today’s cutting edge biological research. He talks about what big data is, how researchers work with it to test their hypotheses, and what the potential implications may be for scientific research in the future.

Interviews with scientists - Plant-derived medicines to cure cancer

This 5-minute video interview with Professor Sarah O’Connor from the John Innes Centre, introduces her work to find new molecules that can successfully treat cancer. This is an interesting way to introduce students to biochemistry, and to encourage them to take a synoptic approach to their biology curriculum, by bringing together plant science and medicine.

A-level practical skills - Molecular Modelling

This practical activity aims to develop students' understanding of primary, secondary and tertiary structure of proteins through computer protein modelling. Computer modelling can create 3D interactive images to support the student to visualize different interactions between amino acids within a molecule.

Revising A-level Biology: Plants 'R' Mint

'Revising A-level Biology: Plants ‘r’ mint' is an innovative revision resource, designed to encourage synoptic thinking and to develop a broader understanding of biology in A2 students. Each of the four student revision packs brings together a range of topics in animal, human and plant biology, centred on a common theme. The revision packs are intended to stretch and challenge students.

Medicines and drugs from plants - 'trumps' card game

Throughout human civilisation the plant world has provided a rich source of medicinal and recreational drugs. This resource uses the popular 'trumps' card game format to provide a fun and informative way for post-16 students to learn about some of these plant-derived pharmaceuticals. This also makes a fun science club activity lower down the school, with students focusing mainly on the poisons!

Extracting oil from plants

GCSE science students need to understand that plant oils can be extracted by both crushing and pressing plant material and by the more complex process of steam distillation. This resource describes a simple technique that can be run as a demonstration or as a class practical to extract a plant oil. There are also a couple of quick demonstrations based on plant oils and instructions for a student activity.

Phytoremediation and phytomining: a practical activity

Phytoremediation is the use of green plants to decontaminate soils in situ. Soils can become contaminated from activities such as mining & manufacturing. This practical activity investigates the use of hyperaccumulating plants to clean up copper contaminated soils. In turn, the copper can be extracted from the plants, known as phytomining.

Video clip - Generation of clean fuels

This BBC video clip scientists at the University of Glasgow, whose research focuses on trying to replicate the process of photosynthesis in the laboratory. This can be used to introduce the idea of using natural processes as the basis for scientific innovation (biomimetics). It is also a good way to look at the need for ways to reduce the impact of global warming, and to produce clean fuels.

Video demo - How do nettles sting?

This video demo shows a quick and easy plant practical for your biology lab. Using Universal Indicator paper, students investigate the pH of nettle stings. This can easily be built up into a broader investigation, or used as a quick practical to introduce the topics of plant defences, adaptations and specialised cells.

Student Sheet 24 - Microscale Investigations with Catalase

A simple yet accurate protocol looking at the results of the enzyme catalase, found in nearly all aerobic cells (animals, plants and microbes).

Student Sheet 14 - Phosphatase Enzymes in Plants

A worksheet and accompanying teachers' notes looking at phosphatase enzymes extracted from germinating seeds.

The inhibition of catechol oxidase by lead

The enzyme, catechol oxidase, is easily extracted from banana. In this practical, students measure the extent to which lead inhibits the catechol oxidase.

Measuring changes in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) concentration in ripening fruit and vegetables

A way to measure the amount of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in fruits and plant material, using DCPIP.

Investigating photosynthetic pigments through TLC

A rapid and reliable way to separate leaf pigments using thin layer chromatography - version for Scottish Highers

Student Sheet 10 - Thin Layer Chromatography for Photosynthetic Pigments

Several different pigments are involved in the absorption of light. This reliable and enjoyable practical shows how these plant pigments can be extracted and then separated using thin layer chromatography (TLC). A low-cost method to get the most out of TLC sheets, including the opportunity to identify the pigments involved using Rf values.

Polyphenoloxidase (catechol oxidase) Assay

Browning of the cut surface of some fruits and vegetables is due the presence of a group of enzymes called polyphenoloxidases, released by the broken cells. In this practical, the change from a colourless solution of catechol to coloured benzoquinone is followed with a colorimeter.