Exploring Rubisco
IN THE CURRICULUM:
- B1.2: Evaluate, on the basis of research, some advances in cellular biology and related technological applications (e.g., new treatments for cancer, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis C; radioisotopic labelling to study the function of internal organs; fluorescence to study genetic material within cells; forensic biological techniques to aid in crime resolution) [IP, PR, AI, C]
INTRODUCTION
This activity explores Rubisco and its role in the environment. Although it is one of the most important biological enzyme in the world, having play a main role in the conversion of inorganic carbon dioxide to life-supporting carbohydrate molecules, it is highly inefficient. Some enzymes can catalyze thousands of enzymes a second but Rubisco is only capable of fixing thee carbon dioxide molecules a second. In the hopes of remedying this deficit, scientists are continually searching for a way to increase Rubisco productivity through genetic engineering. Because Rubisco is the rate-limiting reaction of photosynthesis, increasing Rubisco production would not only increase crop output, but it has the potential to offset global warming by increasing carbon dioxide usages in plants.
This is a short thinking activity designed to help our students think about the roles of Rubisco and how technological advances have help shaped society and the environment. Students are also invited to ask questions and think about the downside of genetic engineering and gaining too much control of our world
ACTIVITY
EXTENSION
This activity explores Rubisco and its role in the environment. Although it is one of the most important biological enzyme in the world, having play a main role in the conversion of inorganic carbon dioxide to life-supporting carbohydrate molecules, it is highly inefficient. Some enzymes can catalyze thousands of enzymes a second but Rubisco is only capable of fixing thee carbon dioxide molecules a second. In the hopes of remedying this deficit, scientists are continually searching for a way to increase Rubisco productivity through genetic engineering. Because Rubisco is the rate-limiting reaction of photosynthesis, increasing Rubisco production would not only increase crop output, but it has the potential to offset global warming by increasing carbon dioxide usages in plants.
This is a short thinking activity designed to help our students think about the roles of Rubisco and how technological advances have help shaped society and the environment. Students are also invited to ask questions and think about the downside of genetic engineering and gaining too much control of our world
ACTIVITY
- Before this activity is done, students should know the roles of Rubisco as well as the basis of photosynthesis.
- Ask students to think of all the ways Rubisco can effect society IF it was engineered to be a more efficient enzyme
- Have students partner up and combine the two lists. Select the most significant impact from the effects they came up with and invite students to explain their reasoning. Ask students if they agreed with their partner during their discussions. Why or why not?
- Gather the students' ideas and compile a classroom list
EXTENSION
- As an extension to this idea, students can write a proposal to the government or another grant provider outlining why they should invest in genetic engineering the Rubisco enzyme.