Virtual Lab Week 7_ Introduction to Food Macromolecules

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Apr 3, 2024

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Virtual Lab Week 7: Introduction to Food Macromolecules Learning Objectives Understand the types of macromolecules found in food Understand 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? Study the transcription and translation processes Begin by learning about the transcription process of DNA to RNA. Discover the translation process where an RNA sequence is read by a ribosome inside a cell and the corresponding to amino acids are made. With these two processes any protein can be made. How do the amino acids form different proteins? Synthesis of proteins from amino acids Find out how amino acids are assembled to make proteins. A 3D animation describes how triplets of codons in the RNA sequence are translated into amino acids. Observe how these amino acids are joined together by peptide bonds to create a polypeptide chain: this is the primary structure of a protein. Then watch as the primary structure is folded into secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures. Discover the two main types of secondary structure and see an example of how the tertiary structure of a protein can be modified post-translation.
Part 1: Complete Labster Lab: Introduction to Food Macromolecules Purpose: Describe in complete sentences and in your own words, the purpose of this experiment. In this lab, our goal was to recognize and grasp the chemical composition of macromolecules. We aimed to pinpoint the components constituting these molecules, comprehend their functions within our bodies, and explore how they contribute to the structure of the solid foods we consume. To achieve this, we conducted various experiments to discern the types of macromolecules present in different components of a salad. Observations: Record three observations from the simulation. 1)Sugars and glucose are not classified as macromolecules. 2)When conducting the iodine test to identify starch, a positive result will result in a dark blue or purple coloration. If the result is yellow, it indicates no starch is present. 3)To assess the quantity of reducing sugars, you employ Benedict's test. Positive outcomes range from green or yellow to orange or red, with green indicating the lowest sugar content and red indicating the highest. A blue result signifies the absence of sugar. Answer the questions below 1. Describe the key functions in the body of the biomolecules you studied in this virtual lab AND include key structural details. a. Carbohydrates, serve as the main energy source for our bodies. They are large molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. a. Proteins, This substance supports growth and development, helps in building muscle, and plays a role in repairing and replacing cells. It consists of chains of amino acids. a. Lipids, This substance stores energy in the body and comes in two main types: saturated and unsaturated. It's structured with a backbone of glycerol attached to two fatty acid tails and a phosphate group. 1. Choose a food in your house. What are some of the biomolecules you expect to be in this food and why? At home, we keep grapes, which I consider one of my top snack choices. Grapes contain fructose, a type of sugar found in fruits. They mainly consist of carbohydrates, with a small amount of protein. Part 2: Complete Labster Lab: Introduction to Protein Synthesis 1. In your own words, describe the process of gene expression beginning from the nucleus to the formation of the polypeptide sequence. Gene expression is the process through which the information stored in our genes is utilized to produce functional proteins in our bodies. It all begins within the nucleus,
where the DNA resides. Firstly, the gene of interest undergoes "transcription." This involves creating a copy of the gene's DNA sequence in the form of a molecule known as messenger RNA (mRNA). This mRNA molecule then carries the genetic instructions from the nucleus to the ribosomes, which act as the protein-making factories within the cell. Once the mRNA reaches the ribosomes, the process of "translation" kicks in. During translation, the ribosomes interpret the mRNA, translating its genetic code into a sequence of amino acids. Amino acids serve as the basic building blocks of proteins. The specific sequence of amino acids determines the type and structure of the protein being synthesized. As the ribosome progresses along the mRNA, it links the amino acids together to form a chain called a polypeptide. This chain continues to elongate until it encounters a stop codon, indicating the conclusion of protein synthesis. After the polypeptide chain is assembled, it may undergo further modifications and folding to attain its functional shape. Once properly folded, the protein can execute its designated functions in the body, which could include enzyme activity, cell signaling, or providing structural support. 1. Complete the table below (2 points): Nucleic acid Amine Bases Present Location(s) in cell DNA Adenine (A), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G), Thymine (T) Nucleus RNA Adenine (A), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G), Uracil (U) Nucleus, Cytoplasm, Ribosomes 1. Assume that RNA Polymerase will read the parental strand of DNA given here and write the mRNA sequence that would result: - TATGCTTCCGTA – Parental DNA strand TATGCTTCCGTA mRNA sequence AUGCGAACGCAU Reflection: Consider what you learned from the two simulations. Reflect on three to four key concepts that you learned in this lab exercise. How could the lessons have learned in this virtual lab related to a real world situation in the
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community/world or your future career? Be specific in your answer (this should require 5-10 sentences). Through the two simulations, I acquired insights into several fundamental concepts with practical implications in the real world: Understanding Biomolecule Functions: I deepened my knowledge of how carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids function in the body. This understanding is crucial for making informed decisions about nutrition and health. Knowing the roles these biomolecules play helps in crafting balanced diets for individuals and communities, which is particularly important in my future role as a healthcare professional providing nutritional guidance to patients. Exploring Gene Expression: I delved into the intricate process of gene expression, from transcription to translation. This knowledge extends beyond mere genetics and finds applications in diverse fields such as biotechnology, medicine, and genetic research. It enables me to grasp how genetic information is translated into functional proteins and how genetic variations can contribute to diseases. In areas like genetic engineering, drug development, and personalized medicine, a deep understanding of gene expression is essential for manipulating genes, devising novel therapies, and unraveling the mechanisms underlying diseases. Learning Laboratory Techniques: The virtual lab introduced me to various laboratory methods used for detecting and analyzing biomolecules. I gained familiarity with techniques like the Biuret test for proteins and the Benedict's test for reducing sugars. These methods are widely employed in biochemical and food science laboratories to identify and quantify biomolecules in samples. Proficiency in these techniques is valuable for tasks such as ensuring food quality, conducting nutritional analyses, and carrying out research involving biomolecule characterization. Grading Rubric: Activity Deliverable Point s Part I Complete Week 7 Virtual Lab: Introduction to Macromolecules Simulation 10 Part II Complete the Introduction to Protein Synthesis simulation 10 Part III Complete lab report and answer questions Purpose (1 point) Observation (3 points) Questions (6 points) Reflection (5 points) 15
Total Complete all lab activities 35