1.5 Integrate physics and chemistry concepts into relevant biological contexts.
In my senior year, after completing a chemistry minor, I decide to increase the minor to a major. Due to this, I have gotten to take many classes to increase my knowledge of chemistry. I have also completed to two semesters of physics that are required for biology majors. Due to the structure of the physics courses, there are no documents that can be shared as evidence for my experiences, but I did enjoy those classes and learn a lot pertaining to physics which helped me apply to biology.
Analysis of ADH Reactivity Using a pH Profile, Lineweaver-Burk Plot, and Michaelis-Menten Plot
In biochemistry, we applied chemistry to biological concepts by studying the oxidation of ethanol in vitro with the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase. This reaction occurs in the human body when someone consumes alcohol. I compared the reaction rate and ethanol concentration. We created figures for pH profile, Lineweaver-Burk, and Michaelis-Menten plots. We presented this data in a written report.
Microbial Effect of Carbon Chain Length on Brominated Esters of Parabens
In the second semester of organic chemistry, we created a paraben with a modified structure. We studied the ability it had to decrease estrogenic activity, but also remain a good antimicrobial agent. This was attempted in this research through five reactions, including aromatic synthesis, benzylic bromination and substitution, Jones oxidation, and esterification. The product was purified and tested for effectiveness on S. salivarius. The paraben created was found to be successfully antimicrobial when tested.
Determination of Capsaicin in Hot Sauces by Liquid Chromatography
In quantitative analysis, we worked in pairs and compared the level of “heat” in two hot sauces, Tabasco habanero sauce and Sriracha hot chile sauce, by measuring the capsaicin concentration. We used high performance liquid chromatography and found that the concentration of capsaicin is positively correlated with the level of spiciness. We presented these results in a lab report.