Overview
One of the theories of how life originated is that organic molecules came together in the ocean, and life was created. Read from "Molecules that Begin Life" through "Enzymes and Nucleic Acid Formation" and respond to the following prompts:
- Explore this topic in more detail and summarize how specifically a living molecule was supposed to have formed from an organic substance.
- According to the Bible, life started when God spoke it into existence. What flaws do you see with the theory that life came from organic compounds?
- The article cites several different types of organic molecules that were to have formed in early earth. Pick one molecule and describe how scientists theorize it formed. What are the inaccuracies with their method?
- With respect to the article, what evidence is there to support creationism? Find an outside source other than Wikipedia that will support this evidence.
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Discussion 2 | Dangers of Medicine
In General, Organic & Biological Chemistry read the Chapter 4 opening vignette titled, An Accidental Overdose, and the conclusion at the end of Chapter 4 titled, An Accidental Overdose Revisited. Choose a drug - prescription or over-the-counter, other than acetaminophen, to research.
- What is the main purpose of your drug?
- What is the recommended dosage for your drug?
- What are the potential side effects of your drug?
- In your discussion, be sure to identify the functional groups in your drug.
- Also, address the mechanism by which the drug works.
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Discussion 3 | Antiseptics
In General, Organic, & Biological Chemistry read Chapter 5.4 HealthLink titled, Antiseptics and Oxidation. Research an antiseptic of your choice.
- What antiseptic did you choose?
- Is it an oxidizing agent? How can you determine this?
- What is the main purpose of your antiseptic?
- What functional groups are present in the antiseptic?
- Define the terms germicide and bacteriostat? Classify your antiseptic in the appropriate category.
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Discussion 4 | Histamines
An allergic reaction prompts the body to produce histamines.
- Summarize the effects histamines can have on the body.
- What is the purpose of an antihistamine?
- Give at least 2 examples of an antihistamine.
- What functional groups are present?
- What are the benefits and dangers of using them?
- There are several books and articles that have been published regarding "Biblical Healing". Find one of these articles or books and summarize them. Be sure to cite it as a source in APA format.
- Do you believe that an allergic reaction can be healed through faith alone? Does it mean you have weak faith if you do not?
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Discussion Sweeteners
In General, Organic, & Biological Chemistry, Natural and Artificial Sweeteners. Research the various natural and artificial sweeteners used in food and drinks.
- What are the most common natural sweeteners?
- What are the most common artificial sweeteners?
- Pick one natural and one artificial sweetener. How do their relative sweetness’ compare?
- In what products might you find these?
- Have you ever consumed either of these? If so, how would you describe their taste?
- Are the artificial sweeteners as effective as the natural ones that God gave us?
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Discussion 6 | Essential Amino Acids
Research essential and non-essential amino acids.
- What are some of the natural sources of amino acids?
- Do amino acid supplements effectively provide the amino acids our body needs? Are they as effective as the natural sources that God gave us?
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Discussion 7 | Genetic Engineering
The human genome project was completed in 2003. Please go to the following website to review the Goals of the Human Genome Project One of the benefits that has come from this project is that we are now able to identify the genes that can cause disease.
- Discuss whether you feel that this is a positive result? Discuss whether or not you think it will result in scientists "playing God" and manipulating the gene pool?
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Discussion 8 | Chemistry and God's Creation
Summarize how chemistry is related to God's creation.