Organic Molecules Lab Report

Proteins are arguably the most important things that people know the least about. As OpenStax CNX puts it, “Proteins are one of the most abundant organic molecules in living systems and have the most diverse range of functions of all macromolecules”. Proteins are “Macromolecules that contain nitrogen as well as carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen”(Miller, Kenneth R., and Joseph S. Levine 48). Macromolecules are exceedingly large molecules that can be made up of several lesser molecules called proteins. These proteins are made up of numerous amino acids, which are “Compounds with an amino group (-NH2) on one end and a carboxyl group (-COOH) on the other end”(Miller, Kenneth R., and Joseph S. Levine 48). These amino acids are connected by a peptide bond, which is, as the Peptide Guide says “… a covalent bond that is formed between two molecules when the carboxyl group of one molecule reacts with the amino group of the another molecule, releasing a
Keratin, the protein found in hair, could be studied to create new hair products that don’t damage the protein. Also, new methods of maintaining hair can be discovered. Casein is often found in milk, glue, paint, and plastic. It goes along with the protein whey, which is also found in milk. Casein is especially important because it has been said to be a major contributor to cancer. Casein contains a morphine-like substance called casomorphins, which enters the bloodstream and causes havoc. The substance is even compared to heroine in its addictive qualities. Studying this protein could possibly lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatments. The final protein this experiment will be dealing with is albumen. The American Egg Board had this to say about the protein: “Also known as egg white. Depending on the size of the egg, albumen accounts for most of an egg’s liquid weight, about 66%… Albumen color is opalescent and doesn’t appear white until an egg is beaten or