Teaching+Schedule

WEEKLY SCHEDULE FOR TEACHING MOLECULES OF LIFE
 * || **Week 1** || **Week 2** || **Week 3** || **Week 4** || **Week 5** || **Week 6** ||
 * **Big Idea** || Biomacromolecules form cells and have specific structures and functions || Genes code for an organisms proteome || Plasma membranes regulate what enters and leaves a cell || Enzymes speed up cellular reactions || Cells require energy || Molecular Biology and Biotechnology advance medicine ||
 * **Topics to be covered** || Introduction to the structure and function of biomacromolecules including, carbohydrates, fats and nucleic acids

The structure, function and relationship between nucleic acids, DNA, RNA and proteins

Lipid and polysaccharide structure and function in details || The structure and function of DNA and RNA

Molecular structure of DNA in detail elaborating the idea of genetic code

Translation of genetic information into cell functioning and protein synthesis ie the molecular events leading to amino acid formation

The three dimensional build-up of amino acids that bring about structural and functional diversity of proteins (each of the sessions covering practical/classroom activities || The role of the organelles

Structure of the plasma membrane including the phospholipid bilayer

Packaging of molecules Osmosis Diffusion || Introduction to enzymes as organic catalysts and proteins

Enzyme binding sites (including: substrates, active sites, enzyme/substrate complex and products

Properties of enzymes including: specificity, effects of temperature, denaturation, pH and coenzymes Specific examples of enzymes and their role in chemical digestion e.g. protease, amylase, lipase Numerous practical investigations (refer to 'Learning Activities' section || Photosynthesis and cellular respiration

Structure of chlorophyll and the process of photosynthesis

ATP and ADP cycle, cellular respiration and gas exchange

Factors affecting the rate of energy transformations || Applications of molecular biology in medicine

Design of drugs

Medical diagnosis ||