Content Objective: Explore and understand the structural intricacies and biological functions of monosaccharides, polysaccharides and lipids, including their roles in energy storage and animal and plant structure.
Language Objective: Develop proficiency in describing and representing the molecular structures of carbohydrates and glycoproteins, focusing on clarity and accuracy. Enhance the ability to articulate the functional roles of these biomolecules in biological systems using appropriate biochemical terminology.
Syllabus Details:
B1.1.4—Form and function of monosaccharides - "Students should be able to recognize pentoses and hexoses as monosaccharides from molecular diagrams showing them in the ring forms. Use glucose as an example of the link between the properties of a monosaccharide and how it is used, emphasizing solubility, transportability, chemical stability and the yield of energy from oxidation as properties."
B1.1.5—Polysaccharides as energy storage compounds - "Include the compact nature of starch in plants and glycogen in animals due to coiling and branching during polymerization, the relative insolubility of these compounds due to large molecular size and the relative ease of adding or removing alpha-glucose monomers by condensation and hydrolysis to build or mobilize energy stores."
B1.1.6—Structure of cellulose related to its function as a structural polysaccharide in plants - "Include the alternating orientation of beta-glucose monomers, giving straight chains that can be grouped in bundles and cross-linked with hydrogen bonds.
B1.1.9—Formation of triglycerides and phospholipids by condensation reactions "One glycerol molecule can link three fatty acid molecules or two fatty acid molecules and one phosphate group."
B1.1.8—Hydrophobic properties of lipids - "Lipids are substances in living organisms that dissolve in non-polar solvents but are only sparingly soluble in aqueous solvents. Lipids include fats, oils, waxes and steroids."
B1.1.10—Difference between saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids "Include the number of double carbon (C=C) bonds and how this affects melting point. Relate this to the prevalence of different types of fatty acids in oils and fats used for energy storage in plants and endotherms respectively."
B1.1.11—Triglycerides in adipose tissues for energy storage and thermal insulation "Students should understand that the properties of triglycerides make them suited to long-term energy storage functions. Students should be able to relate the use of triglycerides as thermal insulators to body temperature and habitat."
Activity 1 - Molecular Modeling Software
Please make sure you look at this for glucose, starch, cellulose, amylose and glycogen and take notes and stretch the structures.
Activity 2 - Carbohydrates and Lipid Reading
This reading will help you with activity 3.
Activity 4
Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids
A. Strengthen Your Skills
B. Expand Your Knowledge