BIOCHEMISTRY
ADVANCED BIOLOGY
Directions
- It is time to see how all of this "biochemistry stuff" fits into the real world. On this site you will find four sections with articles dedicated to a biochemical topic. You will eventually use one section to create a digital presentation.
- Please read and take notes on all four sections. When you are done, show your notes to the teacher and be prepared to answer a few questions on what you've just read. Once the teacher is satisfied that you understand the all of material, you may choose one section to use for your presentation. This should not be done quickly.
- Feel free to use your books and notes as supplemental materials, as well as the sites/tools linked at the bottom of this page. . Good luck, have fun, and do your best.
A. Carbon Labeling
We've already seen how and why carbon reacts with various elements in our atmosphere and discussed the problems associated with these reactions. But has anyone ever put a dollar amount on the levels of carbon in our atmosphere? Do increasing levels of carbon dioxide influence what we pay for goods and services? Please read over this article on carbon footprints and this article on carbon labeling to answer the following questions:
- What is a carbon footprint?
- What is a carbon label?
- How successful has carbon labeling been and why?
- What is your household's carbon footprint?
- What can be done to decrease your carbon footprint?
- What kinds of products have started using carbon labels?
- What are the benefits of carbon labeling?
- What's the difference between use-phase and manufacturing emissions?
- Which countries have been the most successful in using carbon labels and why?
Answer these questions via an online presentation. Remember to measure your home's carbon footprint by using this site and include the results in your presentation.
B. Good Fat/Bad Fat
We've talked about problems with saturated and unsaturated fats, but how bad are these "bad fats" really? Carefully read this article about fats and cholesterol and create a presentation that addresses the following topics:
- What makes a fat good or bad?
- What is the "Low Fat Myth"?
- How does fat affect your bloodstream?
- How does fat intake influence disease, obesity and other chronic conditions?
- What recommendations does the author make regarding fat intake?
C. Atkins Diet
Speaking of fats, not too long ago, a man named Robert Atkins created a controversial diet plan with a new approach to fats and carbohydrates. Imagine a diet that encouraged eating bacon and discouraged eating fruits. Your task is to read this article and this one to create a presentation that answers the following:
What is the Atkins diet?
How does it work specifically with carbs and fats?
What are the short or long term benefits of such a diet?
What risks are associated with the diet?
Don't be afraid to express your own opinion of such a diet. We want the facts and figures, but we would also like to know what you think.
D. Organic Foods
Getting back to labeling, have you ever wondered what terms like "natural" or "all natural" really mean when they are applied to the foods we eat? To truly understand the terms, you need to understand the difference between organic foods and inorganic foods. Take a look at this article from the Mayo Clinic. Then read over this article about organic fruits and vegetables (be sure to click the links) and finally read through this article to help you prepare a presentation that addresses the following:
- Are organic foods worth the extra cost?
- What accounts for the differences in cost between organic and inorganic foods?
- Do they taste better or last longer?
- Which foods are best grown organically and inorganically?
- How do pesticides fit into the picture?
HELP TOOLS
(If you find better links, please let us know!)
Rewordify (Simplifies language of ANY text, even an entire website!)