Name:__________________________________________ Block: ________ Date: __________
Biomolecules
You are what you eat
Background Information: Living organisms have four types/classes of biomolecules that help
them function. These types are Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins and Nucleic Acids.
Carbohydrates can be both simple sugars and complex starches. Lipids are fats. Proteins can be
found in meat and beans. Nucleic Acids make up RNA and DNA.
Activity
Each biomolecule is a polymer (a “many part” molecule) made of bonds between monomers (a
simple molecule). You can think of individual Legos as monomers and the castle or plane you
could build from the Legos a polymer.
I. Describe monomer and polymer in your own words.
Monomer:
Polymer:
II. Go to the following website:
http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/bioprop/intro.html
A. Click on “Next Concept”. Describe in words dehydration/condensation and
hydrolysis.
Dehydration Synthesis:
Hydrolysis:
B. Where does the water come from in a dehydration/condensation reaction?
C. Click on next concept. Fill in the chart below:
Monomer
Polymer
Diglyceride, triglyceride (at MHS we call
these Lipids (fats)
Polysaccharide (Carbohydrate)
Polypeptide (Protein)
Nucleic Acid (DNA/RNA)
D. Click on “Next Concept”. List four (4) lipid types: __________________________,
________________________, _______________________, _________________.
E. Explain six (6) functions of lipids.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
F. Click on “Next Concept”. There are 3 types of Carbohydrates:
__________saccharides, ______saccharides and _____________ saccharides.
G. List four (4) functions of Carbohydrates
1.
2.
3.
4.
H. Click on “Next Concept” and list six (6) functions of Proteins
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
I. Click “Next Concept”. What is the difference between DNA and RNA?
III. Go to this website http://www.mypyramid.gov/
A. Click on "Inside the Food Pyramid"
B. Click on each colored triangle in the pyramid – classify the categories as either a
carbohydrate, protein or lipid. List several food examples for each category. The first
one has been done for you. (You can click "learn more" if you need more
information.)
Food Pyramid
Type of Biomolecule
Examples
Classification
Carbohydrate
Grains
Bread, pasta, oatmeal rice
Vegetables
Fruit
Oils
Dairy
Meats & Beans
C. Describe one day of typical meals (you must include a breakfast, lunch and dinner –
snacks are optional). Categorize the foods eaten as either carbohydrate, protein or
lipid.
Meal (Breakfast, lunch,
Carbohydrate, Protein or
Food Eaten
dinner or snack)
Lipid?
Bonus: Which holds more chemical energy a lipid or a carbohydrate?