The Making of Macromolecules
Objective: To understand that basic molecular structure and primary function of the four categories of
macromolecules.
Materials: molecular model kit, dichotomous key, textbook
Procedure:
1. Using the molecular model kit you will build a model of one of the four monomers.
A
B
C
D
E
2. Use the dichotomous key to determine which monomer you have built.
Does it have a
ring structure in
its main chain?
Yes
No
Does it have a
nitrogen in its
main chain
No
Fatty Acid
Is there a
phosphate group
attached?
Yes
Amino Acid
Yes
Nucleic
Acid
No
Sugar
3. Now that you’ve identified what type of monomer you’ve built, determine which polymer it produces.
4. Create a foldable that includes the following information:
 The name of the macromolecule
 The polymer
 The structure
 An example
 The monomer
 Its function
Analysis:
1. How are these four macromolecules similar?
2. What elements do these 4 different macromolecules seem to have in common?
3. What is the relationship between a monomer and a polymer?