Essay Questions: Enzymes can be described as biological catalysts that regulate the rate of chemical reactions involved in biological processes. Different types of chemical reactions are catalysed by different classes of enzyme. Using a variety of examples, describe and discuss some of the chemical reactions that enzymes facilitate in photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
In your introductory paragraph(s) you might give a brief overview of what an enzyme is. What type of molecules are enzymes? Where are they found? How do they work? What are their limitations?
The main focus on this essay should be about the chemical reactions. Try to identify different types of chemical reactions e.g., oxidation, reduction, addition, substitution, phosphorylation etc. and relate these to the specific enzymes, and classes of enzymes, that catalyse these reactions in cells.
The question directs you to consider two key metabolic processes: photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Make sure that you include examples from both.
It is recommended that you use plenty of clearly labelled and referenced diagrams and figures to support your writing. A good essay will also include a clear thesis statement and supporting conclusion.
Structure:
The essay is for an academic audience and should include an introductory paragraph with a thesis statement, thematic body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. Each paragraph should be around 150-250 words. A complete reference list should also be included. Abstracts, table of contents and subheadings are not required for this assignment.
Body paragraphs should thematically explore topics related to the question. They should use topic sentences and summary sentences to link and clarify how the content in the paragraph supports the thesis statement in the introduction.
Inclusion of figures, equations, diagrams, tables etc. to support your discussion of the chemical and biochemical processes is highly recommended. All such material must be correctly labelled and referenced (both citations and in the text of the essay).
