Notes

-bio do edrolo Qs
-do lang thing (find jargon in public, or apologize for statements)
-bio practice test
-bio make revision sheet


How are biochemical pathways regulated?
In this area of study students focus on the structure and regulation of biochemical pathways. They examine how biochemical pathways, specifically photosynthesis and cellular respiration, involve many steps that are controlled by enzymes and assisted by coenzymes. Students investigate factors that affect the rate of cellular reactions and explore applications of biotechnology that focus on the regulation of biochemical pathways.
Outcome 2
On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse the structure and regulation of biochemical pathways in photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and evaluate how biotechnology can be used to solve problems related to the regulation of biochemical pathways.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge outlined in Area of Study 2 and the related key science skills on pages 7–8 of the study design.
Key knowledge
Regulation of biochemical pathways in photosynthesis and cellular respiration
• the general structure of the biochemical pathways in photosynthesis and cellular respiration from initial reactant to final product
• the general role of enzymes and coenzymes in facilitating steps in photosynthesis and cellular respiration
• the general factors that impact on enzyme function in relation to photosynthesis and cellular respiration: changes in temperature, pH, concentration, competitive and non-competitive enzyme inhibitors
Photosynthesis as an example of biochemical pathways
• inputs, outputs and locations of the light dependent and light independent stages of photosynthesis in C3 plants (details of biochemical pathway mechanisms are not required)
• the role of Rubisco in photosynthesis, including adaptations of C3, C4 and CAM plants to maximise the efficiency of photosynthesis
• the factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis: light availability, water availability, temperature and carbon dioxide concentration
Cellular respiration as an example of biochemical pathways
• the main inputs, outputs and locations of glycolysis, Krebs Cycle and electron transport chain including ATP yield (details of biochemical pathway mechanisms are not required)
• the location, inputs and the difference in outputs of anaerobic fermentation in animals and yeasts
• the factors that affect the rate of cellular respiration: temperature, glucose availability and oxygen concentration
 
Biotechnological applications of biochemical pathways
• potential uses and applications of CRISPR-Cas9 technologies to improve photosynthetic efficiencies and crop yields
• uses and applications of anaerobic fermentation of biomass for biofuel production.