SHS3 Biomedical Science · Semester 1 Week 11: Anatomy and Physiology

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 3.2.1.LI.1 - Explain what enzymes are and their role in the digestive system.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define an enzyme as a biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions without being used up in the process.
Identify the main digestive enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase) and state the substrate and product of each.
Explain the lock-and-key model of enzyme action and why each enzyme is specific to one substrate.
Describe how enzymes break down large food molecules (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) into smaller absorbable molecules.
Apply the concept of enzyme specificity to everyday situations, such as the use of enzymes in laundry detergents and food processing.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Human Body Systems (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Anatomy and Physiology (2.1)
Content standard: 3.2.1.CS.1 - Demonstrate an understanding of the interconnectedness of the body systems in energy generation and use (digestive, circulatory and musculoskeletal systems). 3.2.1.LO.1 Describe the role of enzymes digestion and explain how water and oxygen is transported the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Indicator: 3.2.1.LI.1 - Explain what enzymes are and their role in the digestive system.
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 11 (Week 11 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 89

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Initiating Talk for Learning: Learners discuss what enzymes are and the role of digestive enzymes in the breaking down of food for absorption.
Experiential Learning: Working in mixed-ability groups, use sets of lock and key, or spanner and bolt analogy to explain why only certain keys or spanners can unlock a given lock or bolt. The class brainstorms how different enzymes are specific to certain substrates similar to the lock-and-key model.
Managing Talk for Learning: Learners discuss how enzymes break down food, and the subsequent use of enzymes in laundry detergents to digest food stains in clothing.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Anatomical diagrams of the digestive system
- Pictures or charts showing enzyme action
- substrates * Online resources etc. * Anatomical models
- Videos
- Projector
- White boards
- Models
Assessment (3.2.1.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall; Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding; Level 3 Strategic reasoning; Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.