Biochemistry of Plants (I)

There are 9 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction
2. Lipids and proteins
3. Enzymes
4. Nitrogen and the nitrogen cycle
5. Photosynthesis and respiration
6. Assimilation and transpiration
7. Acidity and alkalinity
8. Chemical analysis
9. Biochemical applications

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

• Identify characteristics of common chemical compounds important in plant biochemistry.
• Explain the characteristics of major biochemical groups including; carbohydrates, lipids and proteins.
• Explain the characteristics of chemicals which control biological processes, including enzymes and hormones.
• Identify the role of nitrogen in plant biological processes, including the nitrogen cycle.
• Identify the role of photosynthesis in biological systems.
• Explain the role of respiration in plants.
• Explain characteristics of assimilation and transpiration in plants.
• Explain the effect of acidity and alkalinity on biochemical systems.
• Develop simple chemical analysis skills relevant to testing plants and soils.
• Identify applications and uses for biochemical processes and products.

• Explain the formula of ten specified, chemical compounds commonly found in plants.
• Calculate the percentages of elements contained in two specified chemical compounds.
• Differentiate between characteristics of major groups of biochemicals including:
  • carbohydrates
  • proteins
  • amino acids
  • lipids
  • nucleic acids
• Compare differences between monosaccharides and polysaccharides.
• Differentiate between plant and animal biochemistry, with three specific examples of biochemical processes which are unique to each.
• Differentiate between a fat and an oil.
• Explain the characteristics of a specified protein formula.
• Compare two fibrous proteins with two globular proteins.
• Explain the functions of carbohydrates in plants.
• Explain two commercial applications for lipids for the learners chosen industry.
• Explain two commercial applications for proteins for the learners chosen industry.
• Explain two commercial applications for carbohydrates for the learners industry.
• Distinguish between an enzyme and a hormone.
• Explain how one specific enzyme functions in a living organism.
• Explain how one specific hormone functions in a living organism.
• Explain the relevance of hormones to the learners industry sector.
• Explain the relevance of enzymes to the learners industry sector.