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Problem: What are the major types of organic compounds in some common foods?
Problem: What are the major types of organic compounds in some common foods?
Introduction
Introduction
The most common organic compounds found in living organisms are lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. Plants are able to make macromolecules on their own; however humans must eat to obtain macromolecules or the parts to build them. Common foods, which often consist of plant materials or substances made from animals, are combinations of these organic compounds.
Part 1: Indicators
Part 1: Indicators
Substances called indicators can be used to test for the presence of organic compounds. An indicator is a substance that changes color in the presence of a particular compound. In this investigation, you will use several indicators to test for the presence of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins in various foods. Read more about each test by using the links below:
Part 2: Some Common Examples
Part 2: Some Common Examples
Click above to see a list of common foods & the results of their indicator tests.
Part 3: Murder & a Meal
Part 3: Murder & a Meal
A murder has occurred and the forensics lab is backed up with other cases. As top-notch biology students, you have been asked to assist in the investigation of this most unfortunate incident. Central to identifying the individual who committed this crime is establishing where the victim was the day of his demise. This will give detectives a lead, knowing who to interrogate. An autopsy was performed on the victim and pathologists discovered that the victim ate just prior to his death. The stomach contents are available for you to analyze in order to determine where the victim had his last meal. Upon questioning the victim’s family and friends, detectives have learned that the victim enjoyed eating at the following places:
Pizza Shack
Pizza Shack
The victim wouldn’t be “caught dead” eating pizza from anywhere else! He typically ordered pizza with sausage, pepperoni, and bacon
Wing-Ding
Wing-Ding
The victim would hang out here to watch sporting events while feasting on “blazin’” wings and celery sticks (*Note, these wings do not have a breading on them, just wings & hot sauce)
Pasta Palace
Pasta Palace
The victim loved to go here for a fine meal of bread, olive oil, and pasta marinara
Predict which macromolecules you would find in each meal!
Predict which macromolecules you would find in each meal!
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