Module #6: Biomolecules
(Cell Structure and Function)
9A: (Readiness Standard) compare the structures and functions of different types of biomolecules,
including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Purpose: reinforce students’ understanding of the structure and function of different types of
biomolecules and the limitations of models.
Procedures:
-Define the following terms
-Answer the following questions
-Do the given activities provided
Terms:
1. Carbohydrate
2. Lipid (saturated/ unsaturated)
3. Nucleic Acid
4. Polypeptide
5. Monomer/Polymer
6. Name the elements that are found in each: sugar/fat/DNA/ Amino Acids
Essential Question:
- Biomolecules are organic molecules produced by living organisms. Which biomolecule is produced
during the process of photosynthesis and used as an energy source in cellular respiration?
Activities and Questions:
1. Which elements do all biomolecules have in common?
2. Biomolecules are molecules that are synthesized by living cells. Why are biomolecules important?
3. Most biomolecules are macromolecules. How do a biomolecule’s size and the number of bonds it
contains affect the amount of energy that is available?
4. The station has three different models of each biomolecule: a 3-D model, a structural formula, and a
chemical formula (mathematical model).
Locate the 3-D model of glucose. Count and record, in the table below, the number of carbon, hydrogen,
and oxygen atoms represented in the model.
Type of Atom
Carbon
Oxygen
Hydrogen
Number present
5. How does the chemical formula for glucose, C6H12O6, compare to the table above?
6. Complete the table.
Type of
Biomolecule
Carbohydrate
Example of
Biomolecule
Elements in the
Biomolecule Structure
Functions of the
Biomolecule
Lipid
Protein
Nucleic Acid
7. What are some advantages and limitations of these models?
8. Return to the essential question at the begging of the activity. Make any modifications that you
would like.
I need to remember…..