Reference no: EM133648920
Principles of Chemistry
Introduction to Food Macromolecules
Learning Objective 1: Understand the types of macromolecules found in food
Learning Objective 2: Understand the structure of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids
Learning Objective 3: Detect macromolecules in food samples
Introduction
Macromolecules are very large molecules created by the polymerization of small units called monomers. Most of the macromolecules are present in everyday life, for instance in food.
Learn about biological macromolecules
There are several types of biological macromolecules: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. All macromolecules, except lipids, are polymers. A polymer is a long molecule composed of chains of monomers. Monomers are small molecules that serve as building blocks of polymers. In addition, there are also oligomers in nature. Oligomers are molecular complexes composed of a few monomer units, instead of the theoretical unlimited number of monomers. Dimers and trimers are oligomers composed of two and three monomers, respectively, such as lactose in milk for instance. However, in biochemistry, an oligomer usually refers to a macromolecular complex formed by non-covalent bonding of a few macromolecules, such as nucleic acids or proteins. Anexample is the oligomers found in many neurodegenerative diseases, such as the alpha-synuclein aggregations in Parkinson's disease.
Help your friend with your macromolecule knowledge
In the Introduction to Food Macromolecules simulation, you will help your friend get a healthy diet and investigate the types of macromolecules found in food. By performing a series of biochemistry tests, you will know the contents of various food items.
Can you use your macromolecule knowledge to convince your friend to change her diet to a healthier one?
Study the transcription and translation processes
Begin by learning about the transcription process of DNA to RNA. Discover the translation process where an RNA sequence is read by a ribosome inside a cell and the corresponding to amino acids are made. With these two processes any protein can be made. How do the amino acids form different proteins?
Synthesis of proteins from amino acids
Find out how amino acids are assembled to make proteins. A 3D animation describes how triplets of codons in the RNA sequence are translated into amino acids. Observe how these amino acids are joined together by peptide bonds to create a polypeptide chain: this is the primary structure of a protein. Then watch as the primary structure is folded into secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures. Discover the two main types of secondary structure and see an example of how the tertiary structure of a protein can be modified post-translation.
Part 1: Complete Labster Lab: Introduction to Food Macromolecules
Purpose: Describe in complete sentences and in your own words, the purpose of this experiment.
Observations: Record three observations from the simulation.
Answer the questions below
1. Describe the key functions in the body of the biomolecules you studied in this virtual lab AND include key structural details.
a. Carbohydrates
b. Proteins
c. Lipids
2. Choose a food in your house. What are some of the biomolecules you expect to be in this food and why?
Part 2: Complete Labster Lab: Introduction to Protein Synthesis
3. In your own words, describe the process of gene expression beginning from the nucleus to the formation of the polypeptide sequence.
4. Complete the table below (2 points):
Nucleic acid Amine Bases Present Location(s) in cell
DNA
RNA
5. Assume that RNA Polymerase will read the parental strand of DNA given here and write the mRNA sequence that would result: - TATGCTTCCGTA -
Reflection: Consider what you learned from the two simulations. Reflect on three to four key concepts that you learned in this lab exercise. How could the lessons have learned in this virtual lab related to a real world situation in the community/world or your future career? Be specific in your answer (this should require 5-10 sentences).