Plant Biochemistry Distance Learning Course study the biochemistry of plants learnabout lipids, proteinsand enzymes; nitrogen and the nitrogen cycle, photosynthesis and respiration in plants, transpiration and assimilation, pH, chemical analysis improve understanding of biochemistry applications and more.

Chemistry is the study of the various elements that make up the physical world and how they interact. Organic chemistry is the study of chemical compounds containing carbon. Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of biological organisms and how organic chemical compounds react within living cells. In other words, biochemistry is about understanding the chemical reactions that make, break, run and repair living things and the components that makethem up. Biochemistry’s goal is to understand the chemical basis of all biological phenomena.

This course is very similar to Biochemistry A (Animals) but with an emphasis on plants. There is no need to take both.

Prerequisite: Some secondary school chemistry will be helpful but not essential.

Course Aims:

• Identify characteristics of common chemical compounds important in plant biochemistry.
• Explain the characteristics of major biochemical groups including; carbohydrates, lipids and proteins.
• Explain the characteristics of chemicals which control biological processes, including enzymes and hormones.
• Identify the role of nitrogen in plant biological processes, including the nitrogen cycle.
• Identify the role of photosynthesis in biological systems.
• Explain the role of respiration in plants.
• Explain characteristics of assimilation and transpiration in plants.
• Explain the effect of acidity and alkalinity on biochemical systems.
• Develop simple chemical analysis skills relevant to testing plants and soils.
• Identify applications and uses for biochemical processes and products.

Testimonial:

‘Having not finished high school myself and never studied biochemistry my confidence is a little low but the encouragement I am receiving from Honor [tutor] is a tremendous help and making it easier for me as I go. [The course] is helping me realize what I am actually capable of and that I am smarter than I thought. Thank you for making it possible for me to study my passion while still being able to work.‘ Melissa Smith, Australia, Biochemistry 1 (Diploma in Horticulture).