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.
KK1. the general structure of the biochemical pathways in photosynthesis and cellular respiration from initial reactant to final product
KK2. the general role of enzymes and coenzymes in facilitating steps in photosynthesis and cellular respiration
KK3. 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
KK4. 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)
KK5. the role of Rubisco in photosynthesis, including adaptations of C3, C4 and CAM plants to maximise the efficiency of photosynthesis
KK6. the factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis: light availability, water availability, temperature and carbon dioxide concentration
KK7. 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)
KK8. the location, inputs and the difference in outputs of anaerobic fermentation in animals and yeasts
KK9. the factors that affect the rate of cellular respiration: temperature, glucose availability and oxygen concentration
KK10. potential uses and applications of CRISPR-Cas9 technologies to improve photosynthetic efficiencies and crop yields
KK11. uses and applications of anaerobic fermentation of biomass for biofuel production.
