Macromolecule Madness!
An organic compound is one that came from living things and contains CARBON! There are four organic
macromolecules that are essential for living thins. Macro means big, so these are large carbon containing
compounds that are essential for organisms. They are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Every large molecule (also called a polymer) is made up of small repeating segments called monomers. The
monomer for each subunit is different. Look at the simplified picture below to understand how monomers make
up polymers:
Polymer
M = monomer
We will start with Carbohydrates. Write your notes in the appropriate spaces below!
CARBOHYDRATES
MONOMER (subunit): _____________________________
The monomer of all carbohydrates is GLUCOSE. Label the picture
of your monomer as glucose.
In carbohydrates, when there is more than one monomer they can
create different types of carbohydrates
One glucose molecule is called a monosaccharide.
Two glucose molecules are called a disaccharide.
Three or more glucose molecules are called a polysaccharide.
Types of glucose Polymers:
Draw and label each of these in the “types of glucose polymer
box.
The test for carbohydrates is _____________________________. Use the following procedures to test for
carbohydrates in your samples!
In the space below, list as many foods as you can that contain carbohydrates:
As you can see, carbohydrates are in just about everything but meat. Carbohydrates are a very important part of
your nutrition. Carbohydrates provide energy for organisms so they can grow, move, think and talk. Not eating
carbohydrates deprives your body of much needed quick energy for every day tasks. Your body can quickly
break down glucose and create ATP from it. ATP is the unit of energy in living things. Without ATP you
cannot function.
TESTING FOR CARBOHYDRATES:
There are two solutions that test for carbohydrates: Bendict’s Solution and Lugol’s Iodine
The following are procedures for both. Your teacher will most likely do only one. Make sure you check which
test (s) you preformed.
Benedict’s Solutions Test:
1. Mix a small amount of each food sample with distilled water to make a test liquid.
2. Add 40 drops of the liquid to be tested into a test tube.
3. If testing more than one liquid, label each test tube with a marker.
4. Add 10 drops of Benedict’s solution to each test tube.
5. Carefully heat the test tubes by suspending them in a 40-50 degrees Celsius hot water bath for 5 minutes
Lugol’s Iodine Solution
1. Mix a small amount of each food sample with distilled water to make a test liquid.
2. Add 40 drops of the liquid to be tested into a test tube.
3. If testing more than one liquid, label each test tube with a marker
4. Add 2 drops of Lugol’s iodine solution to each test tube. Shake gently to mix.
5. Note any color change. If starch is present a blue-black precipitate will form.
Substance Tested
Conclusion:
Results
PROTEINS
Monomer (subunit): ___________________________
Types of Protein Polymers
1.Strucutral proteins
2. Transport proteins
3. Hormonal proteins
4. Receptor proteins
5. Contractile proteins
6. Defensive proteins
7. Enzymes
The subunits of proteins are amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids. These 20 amino acids can
combine in billions of different combinations of different lengths creating a wide variety of proteins with
different structures and functions. Proteins can be obtained by eating animals or animal products. List all the
types of foods that you can eat to obtain proteins in the space below:
Proteins have many functions. List major ones described by your teacher in the space below:
TESTING FOR PROTEINS: Biuret’s solution is used to test for the presence of protein.
1. Mix a small amount of each food sample with distilled water to make a test liquid.
2. Add 40 drops of the liquid to be tested into a test tube.
3. If testing more than one liquid, label each test tube with a marker
4. Add 3 drops of Biuret’s solution to each test tube. Shake gently to mix.
5. Note any color change. Proteins will turn the solution pink or purple.
Substance Tested
Conclusion:
Results
LIPIDS (FATS)
Monomer (subunit) 1 _______________________ and 3 _________________________
Saturated Fats
(Bad Fats)
Unsaturated Fats (Good Fats)
What kinds of foods can you eat to obtain lipids?
What are the functions of Lipids?
TESTING FOR LIPIDS: We will use the brown paper towel test. A highly scientific method to determine if
there is fat in your food!
1.
2.
3.
4.
Place a small amount of the food on a brown paper towel.
Let the food sit for 3 minutes.
Pick up the food and discard.
Note any residue on the towel. If it is oily, fat was present.
Conclusion:
NUCLEIC ACIDS
Monomer (subunit) ____________________________
There are two ty
There are two types of Nucleic Acids
1.
2.
Where did you get your “nucleic acids” from?
List the functions of Nucleic Acids below:
We cannot test for nucleic acids, but we all have 46 chromosomes. You have 23 from your mom and 23 from
your dad. 44 of these chromosomes make you look similar, yet different from your parents and other relatives.
2 of these chromosomes determine your gender. You can look at chromosomes in a “Karyotype” as seen below.
We will further investigate this when we study Genetics!
ANALYSIS QUESTIONS:
1. Compare and contrast any two macromolecules.
2. Explain how the structure of each macromolecule is related to its function.
3. Justify the role of each macromolecule in your life.
4. Design an experiment to test an unknown substance for each of the first three macromolecules.
HOMEWORK: For dinner you eat the following: Large Iced Tea, salad with ranch dressing, speghetti
and meatballs, and garlic bread (with butter). For each item you ate, tell what macromolecule was present and
what it gets broken down into and what it gets used for.