Macromolecules

For this lab, we tested four standard molecules, with four common indicators to find if the standard molecules had positive control or negative control. The 4 standard molecules were glucose, protein, fat and starch. The 4 common indicators were Iodine, Benedict's, Biuret and a Paper bag. The reason we did these tests was so that we could find what the normal reaction between the molecules and the indicator would be. A positive control is already known what the outcome will happen when the substance is presented, and a negative control is a known outcome but when the substance is not present. Knowing these controls helped us because we were then able to find out which molecule had a positive control or negative control. We then took note of all our test results and compared with positive and negative control to see which one was present and which one was not. At the end of the lab, we were able to find out which test result had positive or negative control.

Content

Macromolecules- The cells and organelles building blocks.

Lipids- Macromolecule made up of fatty acids and makes up the cell membrane, as well as providing insulation for the body (keeps warm).

Proteins- Macromolecule made up of amino acids and builds & repairs muscle.

Carbohydrates- Macromolecule that is made up of simple sugar and provides the body with energy.

Nucleic Acids- Macromolecules made up of nucleotides and stores & carries genetic material.

Emzymes- proteins that speed up chemical reactions.

Polysaccharides- Complex carbohydrates ( Ex. starch, cellulose, chitin, glycogen).

Cells

We learned about the cells and their organelles by taking notes and doing lab work to help us get familiar with the organelles that we would be working with. We took a huge look at the cell membrane and really focused on the cell membrane for some days. We studied all the major organelles and cells in the cell membrane. Then we took a look at animal cells vs. plant cells to see the similarities and differences in them. After that we got in a group and picked either the animal cell or the plant cell to draw a big diagram of.

Content

Cells- the smallest structural and functional unit of an organism.

Organelle- any of a number of organized or specialized structures within a living cell.

Ribosomes- particle consisting of RNA and associated proteins found in large numbers in the cytoplasm of living cells.

Lysosome-an organelle in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells containing degradative enzymes enclosed in a membrane.

Nucleus- a dense organelle present in most eukaryotic cells, typically a single rounded structure bounded by a double membrane.

Cell Wall- a rigid layer of polysaccharides lying outside the plasma membrane of the cells of plants, fungi, and bacteria.

Cytoplasm- the material or protoplasm within a living cell, excluding the nucleus.

Cell Membrane- the semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum- a network of membranous tubules within the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell, continuous with the nuclear membrane.

Mitochondria- an organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur.

Reflection

Two things that I did well was one, I listened to my group mates and did what they needed. Another thing that I did well was being respectful to my peers and not causing any problems with them. I would use polite gestures and words to them. Although there are positives, there are also some things that I need to work on. One of them being, staying on task more and not wondering to other peoples groups to talk with my friends. Another thing that I need to work on is to become more open minded and think outside the box more. If I think outside the box more then I will start to understand everything and it will come easier to me. One C that I demonstrated in the project was character because I was respectful and acted mature throughout the project. Another C that I used was communication because I talked with my group a lot about the project and I told them if I was going somewhere or needed help with something.