Watt/Bradford
Biology
Name: _______________________________________
Lab # ___________Due Date: ____________________
The Chemistry of Fats and Proteins
Introduction:
In a well-organized paragraph (with a minimum of 2 parenthetical references
from different sources) answer the following questions.
 Discuss the difference between organic and inorganic compounds. Give
an example of each.
 What are fats? Include building blocks, function, examples.
 What are proteins? Include building blocks, function, examples.
Purpose:
The purpose of this lab is to:
1. learn the building blocks of both fats and proteins,
2. demonstrate the process of dehydration synthesis to make both a fat
and protein.
Materials:
scissors
glue/tape
piece of paper
Procedure:
Part A (Fats)1. Examine the structural formula of glycerol shown below.
H
I
H–O–C–H
I
H–O–C–H
I
H–O–C–H
I
H
2. Examine the structural formula of the 3 fatty acids shown below.
3. Cut out the glycerol and fatty acid molecules on the attached page. Only cut
along the solid lines.
4. Notice that the pieces do not fit together like puzzle pieces.
5. Now, cut along the dotted lines to remove the –H and –OH ends.
6. Join the glycerol and 3 fatty acid molecules to form a fat/lipid. Label it.
7. Join the leftover –H and –OH ends to form several water molecules. Label
them.
Part B (Proteins)1. Examine the structural formulas
of the 4 amino acid molecules
shown to the right.
2. Cut out the amino acid
molecules on the attached page
along the solid lines only.
3. Notice that they will not fit
together.
4. Cut along the dotted lines and
remove the –H and –OH ends.
5. Join the amino acid molecules.
Reattach an –H at one end and
an –OH at the other end to
complete the protein. Label it.
6. Join the remaining –H and –OH
ends to make several water
molecules. Label them.
Observation and Data:
 Attach the labeled molecule diagrams
Discussion and Results:
Complete the following table by writing “yes” or “no” in the appropriate boxes.
Glycerol
Fatty acids
Amino acids
Carbon present
Hydrogen present
Oxygen present
Nitrogen present
Has a carboxyl group
Has an amino group
Can be used to make a
protein
Can be used to form a
fat/lipid
One molecule loses 3 –
OH ends
Conclusion:
Summarize the similarities and differences between fats and proteins. Define
dehydration synthesis and state how it is related to this topic.
Pieces to be cut out: