Reflecting back on the course, what are three major themes you would identify that connect the various topics discussed in this course – how are they connected to more than one topic, and how do they connect with what you knew before this course? What knowledge have you gained with regards to these three themes you have identified?

            Three important topics that we have covered that I have found connections with in more than one class are proteins, amino acids, and nucleic acids. Each of these three topics we covered in multiples ways over the semester and I have found at least one of these topics in each of the other sciences courses I have taken.

            Proteins are very important biochemical compounds. Each protein consists of one or more polypeptides (amino acid chain bonded together with peptide bonds) folded to a specific form to facilitate a function. Proteins are a vital part of processes in the cells of all organisms. Many proteins act as enzymes and catalyze reactions in the cell where others have structural or mechanical functions that help cells maintain their shapes. They are also important in cell signaling, immune responses, the cell cycle, in animal’s diets and throughout the process of digestion.

Generic Structure of Alpha Amino Acid
(Wikipedia)

             Amino acids are the molecular building blocks of proteins and include an amine group or a carboxylic acid group. Amino acids can be linked together in many different ways to provide a variety of proteins. There are nine standard a

mino acids that are essential to humans. This is because they can’t be created by the human body so they have to be taken in through food. These nine include Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine, and Histidine. These amino acids are important in nutrition. Amino acids are also important in fertilizers and food technology.

Nucleic Acids
(Wikipedia)

            Nucleic acids include DNA and RNA. These biological molecules are essential for life and together with proteins they make up very important macromolecules. These molecules function for encoding, transmitting and expressing genetic information in all living things. It is because of nucleic acids that organisms can transfer genetic information from one generation to the next.

            Each of these three topics was covered in depth in our class allowing us to further understand their importance in life. They are also found in Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Microbiology, as well as some of the Psychology classes I have taken in various ways allowing me to gain knowledge of each from different perspectives and on a number of levels.