CHEM120 OL, Week 7 Lab
OL Lab 12: Introduction to Food
Macromolecules Learning Objectives
• Identify the types of macromolecules found in food
• Identify the structure of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids
• 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. An
example 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?
Part 1: Complete Labster Lab: Introduction to Food Macromolecules
OL Lab 12: Introduction to Food
Macromolecules Learning Objectives
• Identify the types of macromolecules found in food
• Identify the structure of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids
• 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. An
example 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?
Part 1: Complete Labster Lab: Introduction to Food Macromolecules
