“McMush Lab”
Everything you eat is composed of three major components: carbohydrates, proteins
and lipids (fats). The cells in all living things contain these macromolecules, as well as,
nucleic acids and inorganic compounds such as vitamins and minerals.
In order to convert food into energy, the body must be able to break the foods into these
basic compounds and then further reduce them to the molecular level. The body can absorb
food only when it is at the molecular level because it must be small enough to pass through
cell membranes.
Carbohydrates are a source of “quick” energy for the body. The building blocks of
carbohydrates are simple sugars (monosaccharides) like glucose. Starches are
carbohydrates known as “complex sugars” or polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are stored
by plants for an energy reserve and are formed when many single sugars
(monosaccharides) are joined together. A single starch molecule consists of hundreds of
glucose molecules (monosaccharides).
The building blocks of proteins are amino acids. In order for your body to manufacture
the specific proteins it needs, the protein eaten in the diet must be broken down
(catabolism) into amino acids ready for reassembly (anabolism).
Lipids (fats) are important to your body because they are used to make up part of the
cell membrane. The building blocks of lipids are fatty acids and glycerol. Ingested fats
provide the raw materials for making our own fats and cholesterol.
The nucleic acids are DNA and RNA. DNA is the carrier of genetic information –
specifically the code for making proteins. RNA aids in the process of synthesizing (making)
proteins. essential for making the steroid hormones such as testosterone, estrogen and
progesterone.
In addition to the organic compounds, the human body needs minerals and vitamins.
There are about 18 minerals the human body needs to function properly. One mineral
needed is sodium chloride or table salt. Sodium is the main component of the body’s
extracellular fluids and it helps carry nutrients into the cells. Sodium also helps regulate
other body functions, such as blood pressure and fluid volume. One vitamin needed in the
human diet is Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Vitamin C functions in the synthesis of collagen
(component of bones, skin, tendons, etc.). It is found in citrus fruits, such as oranges,
grapefruit, lemons and limes. A deficiency of Vitamin C results in a disease called scurvy,
which causes bleeding of the skin and mucous membranes, swollen and bleeding gums,
defective teeth and bone formation.
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In this lab you will test a McDonald’s Happy Meal for the presence of various organic
and inorganic compounds.
Problem: To determine the compounds present in a McDonald’s Hamburger Happy Meal.
Introduction: Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and other nutrients provide your body
with energy necessary to carry on life activities. These compounds are present in the plants
and animals you use as food. In this lab, you will test for specific organic and inorganic
compounds and then determine if those compounds are present in ordinary foods.
Materials:
McDonald’s Happy Meal (hamburger, fries, drink….but no toy!) – blended...yummy!
Beaker
Well plate
Test tube
Test tube clamp
Hot plate
Permanent marker
Benedict’s solution
Biuret solution
Indophenol (DPIP) solution
Sudan IV
Iodine solution
Silver nitrate solution
Procedure:
Using your lab report rubric write a formal lab report.
1. Copy the problem from above.
2. Write a hypothesis (if, then,)
3. Copy the materials.
4. Write a simplified procedure
5. Create ONE data table for your information (hint look at the organics lab to help
you!)
6. GET A STAMP FROM ME- then you can do the lab.
7. Write conclusion using the lab report rubric.
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