MECPS
AP Biology/Ms. Ajayi
Name:________________________________
Date:_____________________ Period:______
Use information from the case study to answer the following questions.
1.
A.
B.
C.
D.
What is the main idea of this passage?
The science behind hair care products and the role of chemistry in understanding hair texture.
The history of hair care and the contributions of Madam C.J. Walker and Annie Malone.
The importance of STEM education and the benefits of attending a STEM magnet high school.
The potential health effects of chemical relaxers and the need to embrace natural curls.
2.
A.
What are disulfide bonds and how do they relate to hair texture?
Disulfide bonds are responsible for shaping proteins, including alpha keratin found in hair. Chemical relaxers and heat
disrupt these structures, causing denaturation and changing curly hair to straight hair. Perms work differently by
breaking disulfide bonds and reshaping the hair.
Disulfide bonds are a type of covalent bond found in hair. They are responsible for storing energy in cells, including
hair cells. Disrupting these bonds can lead to hair breakage and damage.
Disulfide bonds are a type of hydrogen bond found in hair. They play a role in lubricating hair and preventing tangling.
Breaking these bonds can cause hair to become dry and brittle.
Disulfide bonds are a type of ionic bond found in hair. They are responsible for maintaining the pH balance of hair.
Disrupting these bonds can lead to hair becoming too acidic or too alkaline.
B.
C.
D.
3.
A.
B.
C.
D.
What are reducing and oxidizing agents and how do they affect chemical bonds?
Reducing agents donate electrons to form new bonds, while oxidizing agents accept electrons to break bonds.
These agents play a key role in the process of chemical reactions that change hair texture.
Reducing agents break disulfide bonds and reshape hair, while oxidizing agents lock the new shape in place by forming
new bonds. These agents are used in perms to change hair texture.
Reducing agents are chemicals that help to moisturize hair, while oxidizing agents remove moisture from hair.
These agents are often used in hair care products.
Reducing agents are used to remove excess oil from hair, while oxidizing agents are used to add shine and volume to
hair. These agents are often found in hair styling products.
4.
Who does Madison praise for their contributions to hair care products?
5.
What are the four major types of macromolecules that contribute to the development and maintenance of hair?
6.
How do chemical relaxers change the texture of hair?
7.
Think about a career or field of study that you are interested in pursuing. How does Madison's story inspire or relate to
your own aspirations?
8.
Consider the role of science in understanding and shaping our world. How does Madison's curiosity about hair texture
and her interest in chemistry reflect the power of scientific inquiry?