Lecture Hints
1. Introduction to Chemistry for Biology Students, Ninth Edition, by George Sackheim, is
an excellent aid for students who need a quick brushup in chemistry or for those who
2. As an alternative to presenting the chemistry in Chapter 2 as a distinct block of material,
you could provide the absolute minimum coverage of the topics at this time and expand
upon topics later as areas of application are discussed.
3. Students often find the concept of isotopes confusing. A clear distinction between atomic
mass and atomic weight will help clarify the topic.
5. Oxidation-reduction reactions involve the loss and gain of electrons. The reactant oxi-
6. In biological oxidation-reduction reactions the loss and gain of electrons is often associ-
ated with the loss and gain of hydrogen atoms. Electrons are still being transferred since
the hydrogen atom contains an electron.
7. The relationship between the terms catalyst and enzyme can be clarified by asking the
students if all enzymes are catalysts and if all catalysts are enzymes.
9. The notion that ATP is the “energy currency” of the cell should be emphasized. Students
10. The cycling back and forth between ATP and ADP is a simple but important concept
often overlooked by students.
Activities/Demonstrations
1. Audiovisual materials are listed in the Multimedia in the Classroom and Lab section of
this Instructor Guide (p. 387).
3. Bring in materials or objects that are composed of common elements, e.g., a gold chain,
coal, copper pipe, cast iron. Also provide examples of common compounds such as
water, table salt, vinegar, and sodium bicarbonate. Solicit definitions of atom, element,