Why is this important? This year you are filling your heads full of facts- over a thousand pages of facts. Unfortunately your book never takes the time to explain how we have come to know these things. This may be one of the few times you actually get to encounter the process of scientific discovery in this class so I want you to take your time and really read and think about this. The process of scientific discovery is one of the most exciting journeys in the world. It is truly remarkable that people can figure these things out, and the process they use to make discoveries isn’t always what one might expect. So, this reading is my attempt to give you a glimpse into the fascinating world of how scientific discoveries are made. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. The field of biochemistry was “born” with the discovery of enzymes. This happened a little over a hundred years ago. So, this reading is really about the birth of biochemistry as a discipline of scientific study. The philosophical implications of this “birth” are profound and have altered the way we think of ourselves and life in general. Get psyched for an interesting story. . .

Warning: The reading is rather long and you may get tired at the end but hang in there because the whole story from start to finish is simply remarkable.

Format: Please do this using word processor. When you turn this assignment in put at the top left hand corner of the paper “Extra Credit Assignment: Discovery of Enzymes” . Place at the top right hand corner of the paper: Name, Period, Date.

Assignment:
Please read the entire chapter carefully. I am intentionally giving you plenty of time to do this (one week). Once you are finished I would like you to do a one to two page write-up using your word processor- not double spaced. Your assignment should be broken into three parts ( I am looking for thoughtful answers for full credit):
1. Write a summary of the article that includes the important scientists, their ideas, and the underlying breakthroughs that happened. I am thinking this should be about a paragraph long so don’t go into too much detail or stress out over this, but be sure I can tell you read the whole chapter carefully and “got” the main ideas.
2. Answer the following questions: Have you ever believed a “Vital Force” exists as described in the reading? Explain your thinking. Did the reading alter your view? If so how? If you have never believed in a “Vital Force” then explain how this reading confirms what you have always suspected. Be sure to justify and support any answer with an example or examples from the reading.
3. What did you think about this reading? Did you like it? If so, why? Did you not like it? If so, why not? Since my goal in having you read this is to expose you to the “process of science”, i.e. how scientific ideas emerge, did this reading help in this regard? Be honest, your extra credit does not depend on your liking the article and “sucking up” to me!!

Amount of Extra Credit:
Outstanding job: I will change any two quizzes or homework grades to an “A”.
Good job: I will change any two quizzes or homework grades to a “B”.
OK job: I will change any two quizzes or homework grades to a “C”.
Bogus job: If I feel like you didn’t show any real effort- you were trying to “fake it” I reserve the right to only raise your grade on two quizzes or a homework to a “D” or give you no credit at all. Please don’t turn in bogus work- save us both the reality of what might be an awkward situation; thanks!! Remember, this is extra credit, no one is expected to do this- do it only if you have an interest in the assignment.