Macromolecule Testing Lab

Macromolecules

Carbohydrates: provide body with energy

Monosaccharides: Monomer of CarbohydratePolysaccharides: Polymer of Carbohydrate

Proteins: Build and repair muscle

Lipids: Provide cell structure

Nucleic Acids: stores and carries genetic information


Lab Overview

In the macromolecule lab we tried to determine the various amounts of macromolecules in the food we eat. We acomplished this by using standard solutions to indentify the positive and negative controls of different indicators. The procedure for this lab was adding each of the indicators to the examples, and in later tests our food, and watched to see if a reaction occured. The result we got allowed us to determine if the macromolecule specific to the test was in the example solution.


Macromolecule Tests

Indicator Solutions

  • Benedicts: a solution we added to the food to test for glucose (monosaccharides)

Positive= color changed to green, yellow, orange or red

  • Iodine: added iodine to food to test for starch (polysaccharides)

Positive= color changed to black

  • Biurets: a solution we added to food to test for proteins

Positive= color changed to purple

  • Paper Towel test: put a drop of food on paper towel to see if translucent, meaning it contains lipids (fats)

Positive= large percent translucent (over 50%)

Reflection

In our experiment we tested to determine what macromolecules are in the food we eat. We acomplished this by testing samples of food against indicator. Our group followed the procedures as directed and recorded our results. Before beginning the lab we discussed the amounts of each macromolecules we expected to find in our food. Overall our predictions reflected our results, and we could determine which macromolecules were present in our test food. The lab worked correctly and we got accurate results, but the procedure had some errors that may have impacted the test results. It was slightly difficult to get the exact amount of each solution into the test food because the pipette would release more than we wanted. This lab helped with our understanding of macromolecules because it showed us that these four elements are present in the food we eat and it is also important to know what is in the food you eat.