Molecular Biology
Learning Targets
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Assessments and Artifacts
Artifacts
Assessment
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What is Food and Why Do We Need It?
Food is vital for the survival of all living organisms. Some organisms, like humans, have to find their own food (heterotrophs) while other organisms, like plants, can make their own food (autotrophs). Food contains energy and the building blocks for organisms to grow and reproduce. Some of those important molecules in food include carbohydrates (used for immediate energy), lipids (used for stored energy) and proteins (used for building up the cells and structures of the body).
Plants and other autotrophs are able to make their own food through a process called photosynthesis. This process requires plants to use energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
Animals and other heterotrophs use a process called cellular respiration to burn glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce energy in the form of ATP and Carbon Dioxide as a bi-product.
Plants and other autotrophs are able to make their own food through a process called photosynthesis. This process requires plants to use energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
Animals and other heterotrophs use a process called cellular respiration to burn glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce energy in the form of ATP and Carbon Dioxide as a bi-product.
Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
Photosynthesis
During photosynthesis, plants use the power of the sun to combine water molecules and carbon dioxide into glucose (sugar) and Oxygen gas. Photosynthesis is an endothermic reaction, meaning it absorbs energy, that occurs in a part of the plant cell called the chloroplast. The chloroplast is where the all of the chemical reactions for photosynthesis take place.
Through the process of photosynthesis, plants produce glucose which they often continue to refine into larger and larger carbohydrate molecules. These "food" molecules are then stored in the plant for later us by the plant itself or by some hungry organism looking for an easy meal! |
Cellular Respiration
During cellular respiration, animals use glucose (sugar) and oxygen to produce energy (in the form of ATP), Carbon Dioxide and Water. Cellular respiration is an exothermic reaction, meaning it releases energy, that occurs in a part of cell called the mitochondria. The mitochondria is known as the "powerhouse" of the cell because it takes in the "fuel" (glucose) and, using oxygen, produces energy for our bodies to use in the form of a special molecule called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is then used to power all of the important functions in our body.
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Read more about the relationship between photosynthesis and respiration HERE.
Then complete the graphic notes handout.
Then complete the graphic notes handout.
How Body Systems Process Food to Produce Energy
The human body is an amazing thing! It is made up of cells which make up tissues which make up organs and systems that allow us to live!
In order to process the food that we eat, the body uses three major systems:
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(Google Slides Credit: Ms. Argal)
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Read more about the relationship between the digestive system, the respiratory system and the circulatory system in processing food and energy HERE.
You Are What You Eat
What's in food anyway?
Your body needs food! But you already know that. You ever been hungry? Of course you have. Hunger is your body's way of saying, "Hey! Give me some nutrition!" But what is in food and how does it help us? Read the article below to find out what kinds of important molecules are found in food. Use the linked graphic organizer to summarize your findings. "YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT" Article "Macromolecules in Food" Graphic Organizer |
Diets Paideia
Overview
You and your group will be assigned one of three popular diets practiced in our country. Veganism, Paleo and Ketogenic diets. Through reading articles, talking to the text and answering questions you will become experts on your diet. Instructions
Rubric and Guided Questions |
Vocabulary