Macro-molecule Testing Lab
Lab
For this lab we tested a Nutri-Grain Bar for the macro-molecules, lipids, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and protein. To test for different macro molecules in the food we used different solutions to assess the levels. Each test required different conditions, solutions, and materials.
- Lipids
You can test the level of Lipids in a object or food by using a pipet to drop a drop of water and the food you are testing. Next you let it sit for 10 minutes and after hold up to the sky and test its visibility. The visibility determines the level of lipids inside the food. I learned that lipids are inside almost anything.
- Carbohydrates
You can test for carbohydrates through adding the Benedict solution to the vial of the food and heating the vial at 100 degrees Celsius for 2 minutes. If the vial turns orange-red-brown-black or to purple it means that the higher the color is the higher concentration of carbohydrates there are.
- Proteins
You can test for proteins by adding a small amount of Biuret indicator and if it changes colors to blue or purple it contains protein. Something I learned about proteins is that it builds and repairs muscles after exercising.
- Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids do not have an indicator test but I learned lots about nucleic acid. One thing is that it carries all genetic information to be able to form a human being or any other living thing depending where the nucleic acid is found.
Reflection
The first area that were needed to work on was, collaborating as a group. We didn't always have everyone involved in contributing to the success of the project. An example of this is during this project, two people were working on the lab while, the other to in the group were not helping as much as the rest.
Although we had areas we needed to improve upon during this project, our lab turn out well. One thing my group did well during the project our communication with each other. Throughout the project we were able to communicate about plans. Another area my group exceeded the standard of was time management. We worked very hard and efficiently but, also finish our lab ahead of time.