Topic 1.4: Biological Macromolecules Concept Map

Go HERE for the directions on how to create your concept map.

Topic 1.2 Elements of Life

Topic 1.2. Elements of Life

As you read, complete the following objectives in your notebook.

EQ: How do chemical interactions contribute to the structure and function of living things?

From Chapter 3.1, page 43-48

1. Define Organic Compound.
2. Explain why carbon can form so many large and complex molecules.
3. State the kind of chemical bonds carbon forms with other atoms.
4. Draw a carbon atom, showing the electron configuration.
5. Create a chart (or better yet, flashcards!) that summarizes the 7 main functional groups found in organic molecules. For each, draw the functional group and state the chemical importance.

From Chapter 3.2, page 48-49

6. Explain the relationship between polymers and monomers.
7. Create a visual summary of a dehydration reaction. Be sure to include the purpose.
8. Create a visual summary of a hydrolysis reaction. Be sure to include the purpose.

Topic 1.1 Structure of Water and Hydrogen Bonding

Topic 1.1 Structure of Water and Hydrogen Bonding

As you read, complete the following objectives in your notebook.

EQ: How do the properties of water contribute to life on Earth?

From Chapter 2.3, page 30

1. Define Hydrogen Bond.
2. List 2 common electronegative atoms that often form hydrogen bonds. 

From Chapter 2.5, pages 32-40

3. Draw a water molecule, labelling the atoms and the charges. 
4. Explain what makes water a polar molecule.
5. Create a full page chart that summarizes the 4 emergent properties of water. Be sure to include the following components: 
1. Cohesive behavior: cohesion, adhesion, and surface tension
2. Ability to moderate temperature: definition of calorie. specific heat.  heat of vaporization. evaporative cooling. 
3. Expansion upon freezing: ability of ice to float. importance to life
4. Versatility as a solvent: definition of solution, solvent, solute. example of a hydration shell. Hydrophobic vs hydrophilic substances.
6. Describe how the properties of water contribute to the upward movement of water in a tree.
7. Draw a pH scale with some common examples.
8. Explain the importance of buffers to living things.
9. Describe an example of a buffer found in humans. 
10. Predict how the properties of water would change if oxygen and hydrogen had equal electronegativity.

Unit 1 Investigation: Properties of Water

Go HERE for the Unit 1 Investigation: Properties of Water

Topic 7.13: Origin of Life

Topic 7.13: Origin of Life

EQ: What evidence supports the scientific explanations for the origin of life on the planet?

OBJECTIVES:

• Describe the scientific evidence that provides support for models of the origin of life on Earth.
• Explain that a scientific theory is the culmination of many scientific investigations 
• drawing together all the current evidence concerning a substantial range of phenomena; thus, a 
• scientific theory represents the most powerful explanation scientists have to offer.

In class reading. Section 24.1 on pages 474-478

1. Working with your partner, create a 4 column chart that summarizes the work of  Miller and Urey. The 4 column headings should be Name(s), The Experiment, The Results, and The Conclusion.

2. Go HERE to see if you can replicate the necessary conditions in the Miller-Urey experiment and make organic molecules. Write down the correct combination of gases and the procedure you followed in order to create organic molecules.

3. For this next part, you will roll a die to be randomly assigned to become an expert on one the the 3 prevailing theories on the Origin of Life. As an expert, you will need to research your topic thoroughly and write a short summary of the theory. Your summary should include the scientific evidence that exists that supports the theory.

Go HERE to roll the die.

If you rolled a...

1 or 2 : You will become an expert on RNA World

3 or 4: You will become an expert on Abiogenesis

5 or 6: You will become an expert on Panspermia

Do your research and become an expert! Be sure to include lots of evidence that supports your topic. Write a summary of your theory and the evidence that supports it. You'll share this in class with other experts.

4. Visit at least 2 experts on each field that you did not research. Have them read their expert summary to you and then decide which one is better. After you decide which summary you prefer, write their summary in your notes and be sure to credit your source!!! At the end, you should have in your notes 3 summaries about the origin of life, yours, and 2 others.