Building Monomers of Macromolecules

Building Macromolecules

Introduction: The term macromolecule by definition implies "large molecule". In the context of biochemistry, the term may be applied to the four large molecules that make up organisms --- nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. All of these organic molecules contain the element Carbon. Macromolecules are made of smaller subunits called monomers (mono- means one in Latin). When placed together, they make polymers.

Objective: Students will construct and model the basic components of organic molecular structure.

NGSS Performance Expectation: HS-LS1-6. Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other elements to form amino acids and/or other large carbon- based molecules.

Materials: -Toothpicks (to represent electron bonds) -Different colors pom-poms /marshmallows

Task: Construct each of the following molecules and answer the questions. After constructing each monomer, bring your lab sheet & model to the teacher to be approved and then break them down so the next model can be made.

Hints: 1. Molecules are 3-dimensional so models will NOT ALWAYS BE FLAT! 2. When constructing a functional group (-OH, -COOH, -NH2) PUT BONDS BETWEEN ALL ELEMENTS!! 3. You can use your electronic device to see a 3D picture of the molecule.

Reflection: Answer the questions below using complete sentences when done with the modeling. 1) If you were given a carbohydrate, how would you rearrange the macromolecule to make a nucleic acid? Describe three changes that would need to take place.

2) What is the relationship of a monomer and polymer?

Checklist for Models: Teacher Verification Model 1 Model 2 Model 3 Model 4 Model 5 Model 6

Model 1: Construct Glucose (A Carbohydrate)

1 Correctly NUMBER the carbons on this picture.

1. What is the chemical formula for glucose?

2. Glucose is a monomer for what macromolecule?

3. What other simple sugar(s) has the same chemical formula as glucose?

4. Simple sugars like glucose are called _M ______S_.

5. What is the function of carbohydrates for the body?

Model 2: Construct Glycine (Amino Acid which makes a Protein)

2 Place a BOX around the amino group on this picture. Circle the carboxyl group on this picture.

6. Glycine is what type of monomer? (Two words)

7. Name the 4 things attached to the center carbon in ALL amino acids. A.

8. How many amino acids exist?

9. What element is found in amino acid that isn’t found in simple sugars like glucose or fructose?

10. Amino acids join together to make what type of macromolecule?

11. What are some of the functions of proteins in the body? (List several)

Model 3: Construct Glycerol (Monomer of a Lipid)

Place a CIRCLE around a hydroxyl group.

3 12. Glycerol is one of two molecules that make up a monomer known as _T______S_.

13. Besides glycerol, what 3 other molecules make up a triglyceride?

14. Glycerol and other organic compounds with an –ol ending are called ______.

15. Triglycerides are the monomers for what type of macromolecule?

16. Give 3 types of lipids and give their function. A.

Model 4: Construct a Fatty acid (Part of a Lipid)

Place a BOX around the hydrocarbon chain in these pictures. Circle the carboxyl group in both pictures.

4 17. Fatty acids are made of long chains of ______atoms with attached ______atoms.

18. How many bond(s) does each carbon atom have?

19. How many bond(s) does each hydrogen have?

20. What 3 elements make up fatty acids? A.

Model 5: Construct Cytosine (Part of a Nucleic Acid)

5 21. Cytosine is an example of a nitrogen base found on ______acids.

22. Name the 2 nucleic acids found in organisms.

23. List the name for the elements making up cytosine.

24. Name the other 3 nitrogen bases found on DNA.

25. What nitrogen base is found on RNA but not DNA?

Model 6: Construct a Complete Macromolecule

You and your partner can choose which one to model. Find an image online and model!