Carbon, Carbohydrates, and Lipids
Do task 1 and 2 using three different colors of gumdrops. Each person should answer the questions in their lab notebook.
Task 1: Carbon and Biochemistry
Demonstrate what 2 carbons look like when single-bonded (surrounded by hydrogen atoms), doublebonded, and triple bonded using gumdrops.
1.
What does it mean if something is Organic?
2.
Carbon is outstanding among all of the elements on earth because of its ability to form large molecules. Why? How?
Task 2: Sugars
Make the carbon-ring structure of glucose using gumdrops.
1.
What kind of sugar have we made? (hint: think “one” sugar)
2.
What do we call chemicals that are made of the same elements but are shaped differently?
3.
To what family of biochemicals do sugars and starches belong? What are this family’s characteristics?
4.
Where do we find sugars and starches in nature?
5.
How are carbs stored in the body for short-term use? For long-term use?
Task 3: Lipids
DRAW a lipid molecule 10 carbons long.
1.
What is the main difference between a lipid and a carbohydrate?
2.
What common items contain or are composed solely of lipids?
3.
How are lipids helpful and harmful to living organisms?
4.
Knowing what you know now, describe why mono- and polyunsaturated fats are healthier than saturated fats.