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
