Enzymes, DNA and Protein Synthesis
In this section of the curriculum, the activity of enzymes, and the control of protein synthesis by DNA was explored. The important roles of enzymes acting as "biological catalysts" was stressed in this section. Their function in hastening chemical reactions in organisms was explained and tested on. The differences between substrates and how they bind at active sites was described, and different forms of enzyme inhibition were discussed. The composition and structure of DNA was taught, and the processes involved in protein synthesis and DNA replication was outlined. Students were instructed in how to "read" the coding of a DNA strand through analyzing the strings of codons and transcribing them to their specific amino acids. It was required and to be able to outline the entire process of DNA replication and protein synthesis, and this knowledge was tested. My scores in the relevant examinations during this section were high and illustrate a strong understanding of the material.