Biomolecules
Jennifer Pham
August 28, 2014
Wilkinson, PAP Biology 3rd
Biomolecules Biomolecules, or any molecule that is produced by a living organism, can be found all around us. They occur naturally in all living organisms. Simply put, these atomic building blocks and the interactions among them are responsible for all the biological molecules that constitute life form. The four major classes of biomolecules consist of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
In order for students to receive a better understanding on biomolecules, Mr.
Wilkinson had them conduct a lab on Friday in class. During the lab, students were asked to mix together chemicals with elephant urine and document any changes in the solutions. Depending on each alteration, students were asked to observe and decide whether or not there were any macromolecules in the substances.
During our observation, many of the results came back altered in some form, meaning that macromolecules were present in the chemical. We automatically knew this when the liquids dropped on the paper bag became translucent within a few minutes, since the fats in the substance are what make it see through. This came as a concern because the tests suggested that the patient’s body is not functioning as it should. When people are sick, nutrients, or macromolecules obtained through the food we eat, might pass through the body without being absorbed and end up being eliminated in our urine. In our patient’s case, lots of macromolecules were found in their urine, indicating a possible problem, and it was agreed that further testing should be done.
This lab turned out to be very interesting, and even proved to be quite educational. In this lab, I learned the differences between negative and positive controls, and why they were significant in an experiment. Although some setbacks did occur, such as when our group accidentally cross contaminated a dropper, overall, this has been a positive learning
August 28, 2014
Wilkinson, PAP Biology 3rd
Biomolecules Biomolecules, or any molecule that is produced by a living organism, can be found all around us. They occur naturally in all living organisms. Simply put, these atomic building blocks and the interactions among them are responsible for all the biological molecules that constitute life form. The four major classes of biomolecules consist of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
In order for students to receive a better understanding on biomolecules, Mr.
Wilkinson had them conduct a lab on Friday in class. During the lab, students were asked to mix together chemicals with elephant urine and document any changes in the solutions. Depending on each alteration, students were asked to observe and decide whether or not there were any macromolecules in the substances.
During our observation, many of the results came back altered in some form, meaning that macromolecules were present in the chemical. We automatically knew this when the liquids dropped on the paper bag became translucent within a few minutes, since the fats in the substance are what make it see through. This came as a concern because the tests suggested that the patient’s body is not functioning as it should. When people are sick, nutrients, or macromolecules obtained through the food we eat, might pass through the body without being absorbed and end up being eliminated in our urine. In our patient’s case, lots of macromolecules were found in their urine, indicating a possible problem, and it was agreed that further testing should be done.
This lab turned out to be very interesting, and even proved to be quite educational. In this lab, I learned the differences between negative and positive controls, and why they were significant in an experiment. Although some setbacks did occur, such as when our group accidentally cross contaminated a dropper, overall, this has been a positive learning