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Basic Plant Biochemistry
Basic Plant Biochemistry 100 Hours Certificate Course
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Learn About Basic Plant Biochemistry
Basic Plant Biochemistry Online Course
Learn about the composition and function of plants with this Basic Plant Biochemistry Online Course from ADL
Biochemistry is the chemistry of living beings. This course concentrates on the biochemistry of plants.Learn Plant Biochemistry with outstanding experienced tutors. Our Problem-Based Approach for learning makes the learning experience practical and applied, helping you to understand, absorb and retain your new knowledge. Course prerequisites: Some secondary school chemistry will be helpful though not essential.
Course Information
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Lessons
Lesson Structure: Biochemistry 1 – (Plants) BSC102
There are 9 lessons:
1 Â Introduction
- The Basics: Atoms, Elements and Compounds, Table of Significant Elements
- Parts of a Compound
- Other Common Biochemical Groups
- Chemical Names: Alkyl Groups, Arrangement of Atoms in a Compound
- Organic Compounds
- Types of Carbohydrate: Proteins, Amino Acids, Lipids, Nucleic Acids
- Biochemical Processes in Plants and Animals
- What is Life?
- Classification of Living Things
- Atoms: The Atomic Nature of Matter, The Structure of Atoms
- Biochemistry: Biochemical Process in the Cell
- The Carbon Cycle
- Calculating the Components in a Chemical: Atomic Weights of Elements
- Recommended Reading
2 Â Lipids and proteins
- Carbohydrates
- Function: Carbohydrates trap light energy, Carbohydrates release energy, Energy Supply in Animals/Humans, Types of Carbohydrates
- Hydrolysis
- Aromatic Compounds
- Lipids & Proteins: Characteristics of Lipids, Naturally occurring & commercially useful lipids
- Proteins: Amino Acids, Types of Proteins
- Lipoproteins
- Proteins in the Human Diet
- Protein Structure
3 Â Enzymes
- Definitions
- Enzymes
- Plant Hormones
- Chemical Growth Modification
- Enzymes Additional Information: Effect of Temperature, Effect of pH, Activation, Isoenzymes, Inhibition
4 Â Nitrogen and the nitrogen cycle
- The Role of Nitrogen
- The Nitrogen Cycle: Nitrogen fixation, Ammonification, Nitrification, Denitrification, Nitrogen loss, Forms of Nitrogen
5 Â Photosynthesis and respiration
- Photosynthesis: The Light Reactions, The Dark Reactions, Environmental factors which affect photosynthesis
- Respiration:Â Glycolysis, The Krebs cycle, The Electron Transport Chain
- The Rate of Respiration is Affected By…………..
- Terminology
6 Â Assimilation and transpiration
- Water and Plant Growth
- Transpiration: Environmental Factors that Affect Transpiration and Water Uptake
- Metabolism of Plants and Animals
- Mechanisms of Nutrient Uptake in Plants
- Terminology
7 Â Acidity and alkalinity
- pH
- Measuring pH: Methods of Measuring pH
- What is an Acid or Base?
- Buffers
- Soil pH
- Nutrient Availability and pH
- Cation Exchange Capacity and pH
- The Acid-Base Balance in Human Exercise Physiology: Buffer Effect, Respiration, The Kidney Effect
8 Â Chemical analysis
- Chemical Analysis: Laboratory testing of Soils, Soil Sampling, Measuring Salinity
- Colorimeters
- Chromatography
- Gas Spectrometers
- Atomic Absorption Units
- Conductivity: Conductivity and Hydroponics
- Terminology
9 Â Biochemical applications
- Alkaloids: Pyrrolidine Alkaloids, Quinoline and Isoquinaline Alkaloids, Pyridine & Piperidine Alkaloids, Indole Alkaloids
- Poisonous Plants
- Herbal Medicines
- Preparing Herbal Remedies
- Chemical Toxicities: Chemical Pesticides: Insecticides, Characteristics of Pesticides, Summary of Main Chemical Groups of Insecticides, Comparative Toxicities of Pesticides
- How Poisonous is a Chemical?
- Tissue Culture: Uses, Problems
- Tissue Culture Procedures: Explants, Sterilisation, Nutrient Media, Methods of shoot induction and proliferation, Multiplication by adventitious roots, Rooting and Planting Out
- Environmental Conditions: Types of media, Composition of Nutrient Media, Cleanliness, Light and Temperature Conditions, Hormones
- Laboratory Requirements
- Glossary of Terms
- Biotechnology in Horticulture: Tissue Culture Development
- Cell Fusions
- Overcoming Pollination Incompatatbility
Learning Goals
Learning Goals: Biochemistry 1 – (Plants) BSC102
- 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.
Practical (Set Tasks)
Practicals:
- Explain the formulae of ten specified, chemical compounds commonly found in plants.
- Calculate the percentages of elements contained in two specified chemical compounds.
- Differentiate between characteristics of major groups of biochemicals including:
- carbohydrates
- proteins
- amino acids
- lipids
- nucleic acids
- Compare differences between monosaccharides and polysaccharides.
- Differentiate between plant and animal biochemistry, with three specific examples of biochemical processes which are unique to each.
- Differentiate between a fat and an oil.
- Explain the characteristics of a specified protein formula.
- Compare two fibrous proteins with two globular proteins.
- Explain the functions of carbohydrates in plants.
- Explain two commercial applications for lipids for the learners chosen industry.
- Explain two commercial applications for proteins for the learners chosen industry.
- Explain two commercial applications for carbohydrates for the learners industry.
- Distinguish between an enzyme and a hormone.
- Explain how one specific enzyme functions in a living organism.
- Explain how one specific hormone functions in a living organism.
- Explain the relevance of hormones to the learners industry sector.
- Explain the relevance of enzymes to the learners industry sector.
- Explain plant inoculum in relation to nitrogen use in plants.
- Define relevant terminology, including:
- Nitrogen Fixation
- Ammonification
- Nitrification
- Denitrification
- Symbiotic Bacteria
- Explain the effect on plant yield of a deficiency in available nitrogen.
- Explain the effect on plant yield of an excess in available nitrogen.
- Compare differences in nitrogen deficiency symptoms between monocotyledons and dicotyledons.
- Analyse the nitrogen cycle with diagrams.
- Explain the significance of the nitrogen cycle to plants and animals.
- Perform an experiment comparing the growth of 4 plants grown under differing light conditions.
- Explain differences in plants grown under different light conditions.
- Explain the processes of photosynthesis, with diagrams.
- Explain the importance of photosynthesis to plants.
- List the main biochemical processes which occur during respiration in plants.
- Identify the differences between anaerobic and aerobic respiration.
- Explain glycolysis, including the sequence of chemical reactions which take place.
- Explain the Krebs cycle, including the sequence of chemical reactions involved.
- Compare respiration in a plant with respiration in an animal.
- Explain differences in plant respiration, under different climatic conditions, for a specified situation.
- Define relevant terminology, including:
- Transpiration
- Translocation
- Vapour Pressure
- Osmosis
- Evapotranspiration
- Assimilation
- Explain how water is absorbed into a plant, with the aid of diagrams.
- Explain how nutrients are absorbed into a plant, with the aid of diagrams.
- Perform, a simple experiment, showing the movement of dyed water into, and through a plant.
- Explain how water is moved about in a plant.
- Explain how nutrients are moved about in a plant.
- Explain the purpose of transpiration, in plant function.
- Define pH terminology including; acid, alkaline, base and neutral.
- Explain the control of acidity and alkalinity in different living organisms, using 4 specific examples, including:
- buffers
- chemical reactions
- Explain how soil pH affects plant nutrient availability.
- Explain plant responses to changes in soil pH.
- Analyse the effects of three different fertilizers on the pH of growing media.
- Explain the effects of abnormal pH levels in a specific case study of a physiological process, in a living organism.
- Identify factors involved in controlling acidity and alkalinity in a specific case study.
- Define relevant terminology, including:
- calibration
- electroconductivity
- chromatography
- colorimeter
- indicators
- Compare chemical pH test kits with chemical pH meters, in terms of the following:
- accuracy
- ease of use
- portability
- speed
- maintenance
- calibration
- costs
- Explain the practical applications of various analytical techniques including:
- chromatography (TLC, GC)
- colorimetry
- atomic absorption
- Determine the value of analytical techniques used in industry including:
- efficiency
- accuracy
- ease of use
- Differentiate between chemical toxicity and tolerance.
- Explain the implications of LD50 characteristics with five different chemical substances.
- Explain the implications of half-life characteristics with five different chemical substances.
- List the active toxins in ten poisonous plants which commonly occur in your home locality.
- Explain the effects of two naturally occurring toxins on the human body.
- Explain the function and use of two different plants as medicines for humans or animals.
- Determine three different applications for plant tissue culture.
Examinations
Program Summary
More Information
Your tutor for this course is: Susan Stephenson BSc in Applied Plant Biology (Botany) Univ. London 1983. City and guilds: Garden Centre Management, Management and Interior Decor (1984) Management qualifications in training with retail store. Diploma in Hort level 2 (RHS General) Distinction.Â
Assessment
Assessment is based on a combination of completing all assignments and sitting for a final short one and a half hour exam, in your own location.
If you don’t cope well with exams then you may elect to undertake a project instead. This is a popular option.
In addition, most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson placed before the assignment. This is an opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge and skills and practical experience. This ADL feature is an added bonus not found at most online schools. Set Tasks are not required for assessment.Â
Some courses also have optional Self-Tests which are available on our online learning platform. These are not available by correspondence or by USB, and do not form part of your overall grade.
How our courses work
- Choose Your Learning Method
You choose how you would like to receive your course material, i.e., Online, USB or Correspondence. The choice is yours. You may also work on online or offline. - Tutor Allocation
Every student is assigned their own dedicated tutor who is an expert in their subject area. They provide as much or as little individual contact as you require. You can contact your tutor whenever you need – your hours are not limited. - Feedback and Assignments
Tutor Feedback is an essential component in helping you understand the subject matter. Tutor feedback is given in the form of notes written on the assignment. We encourage you to contact your Tutor where help with clarification and understanding of course material may be required.
Your assignments are located at the end of each lesson. You submit them for marking whenever you are ready. There is no time limit.  - Set Tasks and Self-Tests
Most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson before for the assignment. This is where you get the opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge, skills and practical experience. Many modules also have short Self-Tests. - Exams
Once all assignments have been completed you may then elect to sit for a one and half hour exam in your own location. If you prefer not to take the exam you do have the option to undertake a project instead.
Once the exam or project part of the course is completed, your Certificate is then processed. Please allow approximately 4 weeks for this. - Design Your Own Qualification
ADL offers students the flexibility to self-design their own qualification – bundling together a combination of 100-hour modules into a qualification higher than a certificate.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.
General
Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.
Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.
Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.
Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.
Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.
Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.
Enrolment
Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.
Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.
Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.
Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.
Assessment
Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.
Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.
Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –
Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.
Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.
Qualifications
Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.
Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.
Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.
Tutors
Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.
Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.
Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.
Career Options
What's Included
Excerpt From The Course
THE ROLE OF NITROGEN
Nitrogen is vital for all living organisms. It is important as a macronutrient for plant growth, and is essential for the formation of amino acids and for protein and nucleic acid synthesis. It chiefly exists as an invisible, odourless, chemically inactive gas, which forms 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Plants take up nitrogen from the soil as nitrate (NO3–) or more rarely as ammonium (NH4+) or nitrite (NO2) ions. Nitrogen is present in hundreds of compounds in plants, including amino acids, enzymes, chlorophyll and genes. It is needed in highest concentration in actively growing parts of the plant, ie. shoots, flowers, fruit and root tips. Deficiencies lead to spindly plant growth and yellowing of the leaves. The symptoms first appear in the older leaves and generally appear gradually.
Soil nitrogen is replenished by natural processes (ie. the nitrogen cycle and nitrogen fixation) and through fertiliser applications including urea, ammonium sulphate and ammonium nitrate. Too much nitrogen produces soft tissues with a high water content that are particularly prone to frost damage. Excessive leaf growth may occur at the expense of flowering and fruit set, and potassium deficiencies may be induced.
THE NITROGEN CYCLE
The nitrogen cycle is the circulation of nitrogen between living organisms and the environment.
Nitrogen is an essential element for all living organisms, although most living things cannot use atmospheric nitrogen (which makes up 4/5 of the Earth’s atmosphere) to make proteins and other organic substances. It first must be converted by bacteria into ammonium or nitrate which cells can use.
Nitrogen fixation
This is the process whereby atmospheric nitrogen is ‘fixed’ in the soil by soil microorganisms. The main soil nitrogen-fixing microorganisms are:
- Rhizobium bacteria that live in nodules in the roots of legumes
- Actinomycetes
- Blue-green algae in moist soils
- Free-living micro-organisms that are found in most soils
The symbiotic bacteria which includes Rhizobium bacteria, are by far the most important in terms of the total amounts of nitrogen fixed. In the symbiotic relationship between legumes and Rhizobium, the legume supplies the Rhizobium with carbon compounds as an energy source and also provides a protective environment. The legume, in return, obtains nitrogen in a form usable for the production of plant proteins.
Rhizobium invades the roots of pasture legumes such as alfalfa, clovers, peas, soybean, beans, as well as Australian native legumes including Acacias. The bacteria are attracted to the legume by a growth substance and invade the root hairs. They then divide forming filaments and infect the root cortex in which a nodule forms. The bacterium fixes nitrogen by means of the enzyme nitrogenase.
In commercial agriculture, soil nitrogen levels are boosted by growing leguminous plants which are inoculated with Rhizobium bacteria. The plants are then harvested, leaving behind the nitrogen-rich roots or by plowing the whole plant back into the soil.
Career Opportunities
FAQ - RHS Theory Qualifications
GENERALÂ
If you require further details about any of the RHS industry recognised qualifications please, call one of our friendly RHS Course Advisors on +44 (0)1227 789 649 or email: [email protected]
Q:Â When can I Enrol/Start My RHS Course With ADL?
A: Anytime, Anywhere. There are no enrolment deadlines.
Q:Â I live Overseas. Can I Study From Overseas?
A: You can study any of the RHS theory qualifications overseas. All courses are offered in English. You will need to email RHS Qualifications direct to arrange sitting for your examination overseas.
Q: Is There a Time Limit for Completing an RHS Qualification?
A: At present there are no time limits. However, RHS is contemplating in the future, the introduction of course time-lines.
Q:Â Are There Any Entry Requirements (Pre-Requisites)?
A:Â The RHS Theory courses do not require prerequisites, previous experience or any knowledge of horticulture. You just need passion for all things horticulture.
Q: What Course Should I Start With First? I Am New To RHS Qualifications.
A: We highly recommend that you start with Level 2 – Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance.
Q:Â What Does ADL Course Material Include?
A:Â Includes Power Point Presentations, Videos and written course lessons.
RHS EXAMS
Q:Â When Do Exams Take Place?
A: Exams are held on fixed dates in February and June of each year. You should register as a candidate at least 3 months before these dates, so please do not leave exam registration to the last minute
Q:Â Where Do I Take My Exams?
A:Â UK: You take the exams at the RHS Wisley Centre, located between Cobham and Ripley in Surrey or at other authorised RHS centres around the UK.
Overseas: please email RHS qualifications direct for centre information.
Q:Â Exam Pass Marks?
A:  Module – pass 50%.  Commendation 70%.
Qualification:Â 50% pass for all modules.
Commendation awarded for all modules.
Each question carries a value of 10 marks.
Q: I’m Not Happy With My Exam Results?
A:Â You have the opportunity to re-sit your exam at the next opportunity.
There are no restrictions on the number of re-sits you can take. The highest mark you achieve will remain.,