The Campus Coffee Shop

The Campus Coffee Shop: Caffeine Conundrums

Questions – Part 1 Introduction

List common foods/drinks that are sources of caffeine. How much caffeine is found in each?

Esspreesso                225mg – 436mg

Coffee                        76mg – 260mg

Tea                        20mg – 135mg

Soda                        23mg – 69mg

Energy Drinks                50mg – 357mg

Caffeinated Snacks        25mg – 600mg        

Chocolate                2mg – 25mg        

Coffee Ice Cream        1mg – 125mg

OTC pills                64mg – 300mg

What is the chemical structure of caffeine? What class of chemical molecules does caffeine belong to?

Caffeine is made of Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Oxygen and is classified as an achiral molecule. That must be apparent in the 3D form of the molecule because it looks chiral to me on paper.

What are common physiological effects of caffeine consumption?

Caffeine is documented to make people less tired, think clearer, more alert and may cause sleeplessness.

Where in the body does caffeine act?

Caffeine blocks neurotransmitter receptors in the central nervous system. Apparently caffeine is both water and fat soluble, so it can get from blood to the brain quickly.

Propose reasons why Alex and Jenna feel the need to consume caffeine while Sally does not. Why does Jenna feel that she needs more caffeine than Alex?

Jenna – 5 cups of coffee/day; According to Betty Kovacs, MS, RD, intaking moderate to high doses of caffeine daily and then stopping may cause withdrawals. Jenna’s coffee intake suggests she would be less alert, grouchy, touchy, sensitive, with physical side effects including headache, sleepiness, and mild depression (www.medicinenet.com/caffeine/article.htm).

Alex – deadline drinker; Alex has found that caffeine is a manageable tool to be used in time of great need. Time management and prioritizing could minimize his need for this last ditch effort to maintain clarity and work into the...