Macromolecules

Macromolecules Project

The first unit we learned about in Engineering Biology was macromolecules. We started off by learning what macromolecules are, the different types, and what they do for our bodies. We learned about them through web quests, worksheets, and research. We included pictures, facts, foods that they're found in, and their functions in our bodies. Then we came together and shared our visual representations so that we all learned about each macromolecule. I put examples of the type of group work we did below.

Content

• Macromolecules- Macromolecules are molecules that are composed of thousands of atoms or more. They are made up of small singular units called monomers. A bunch of monomers make up a polymer. The 4 main macromolecules are proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids. They are important cellular components and each of their functions are necessary for the growth and survival of living organisms. All of the research and projects we did in this unit were about macromolecules. We made slide shows, and for murder in a meal we used the information we knew about macromolecules and indicator solutions to find what restaurant murdered the victim.

• Carbohydrates- Carbohydrates are the sugars, starches and fibers found in fruits, bread, grains, etc. They're a source of energy for the body. We used carbs in every project we did about macromolecules. We researched them and also analyzed them in food.

• Proteins- Proteins are large molecules that our cells need to function properly. The structure and function of our bodies depend on proteins. They are essential to building muscle mass. We also learned about proteins in our slide shows and project. We got to learn about them and then analyze them in the murder in a meal project.

• Lipids- Lipids are fat-like substances found in your blood and body tissues. They make up the building blocks of the structure and function of living cells. They are an essential component of the cell membrane. Lipids were used in all of our slide shows as well. We researched them and checked the victim's stomach for them too.

• Nucleic acids- Nucleic acids are present in living cells, especially DNA or RNA. They work in the cell to store and express genetic information. We used nucleic acids in the murder in a meal project and other slide shows. Specifically, we looked at them in looked for them in the autopsy of the victim who was murdered.

• Monomer- A monomer is a single molecule that makes up polymers and macromolecules. In our first macromolecule project, we had to include the monomer of each macromolecule. protein: amino acid, carbohydrate: monosaccharide, lipid: fatty acid, and nucleic acid: nucleotide.

• Polymer- A polymer is a chain of monomers. We used polymers in our first project because we had to research the macromolecules and find the polymer of each and the info to our slide show. Protein: polypeptide, nucleic acid: DNA and RNA, lipid: phospholipid or lipid, and carbohydrate: polysaccharide.

• Indicator solutions- An indicator solution is a substance that changes color in response to a chemical change. It helps us figure out if there is a certain macromolecule in a substance. A different indicator solution corresponds to each macromolecule, so when you put the solution in foods or drinks they'll change colors. Certain colors show a positive result while others show a negative one. We used indicator solutions in our food lab we did (electronically) and we also used them in our murder in a meal project in order to find the murderer results. We looked at everything in the victim's stomach and used indicator solutions to see what he had eaten right before he died.

Reflection

The macromolecule unit was very fun and engaging and I learned a lot. I didn't know anything about macromolecules before, but now I know what they are and all of their functions. I have been looking at my food differently ever since I learned about them, and feel more aware of what I am putting into my body. My group for most of the unit and Murder in a Meal project was Selina, Josh, and Ruth. This was a great group and we worked well together. I really enjoyed working on the graphic organizer because it was when I learned the most about macromolecules and what they are. I also enjoyed the Fast Food Challenge because it was interesting to see the nutrition facts behind some of the biggest brands in the fast food industry. While I found these slide shows very engaging, my favorite part of this unit was the Murder in a Meal project. I liked how we got to be investigators for a day and use evidence from the murder to analyze, in order to come up with a verdict on who murdered the victim. It was very interesting to me because I love criminal shows and murder mystery books/movies.

Two of the 6 C's that we demonstrated throughout the unit were collaboration and conscientious learning. We were good collaborators during the project because we put all of our ideas together and talked to one another when we had questions or new ideas. This helped us work much quicker and contributed to our time management. We also demonstrated conscientious learning because of our time management skills. We used our time wisely during the Murder in a Meal project and were able to get all of our work done early. On top of that, we set and monitored goals for our continuous growth by saying the things we were going to complete that day in the beginning of our meetings.

However, two C's that my group and I could have improved on were communication and, at times, critical thinking. Next time we could work on more communication because most of us were very engaged and into the project, but sometimes someone wouldn't unmute themselves and share what they were thinking. It is important for everyone to contribute to the conversation because they might be able to bring up an idea that no one else had thought of yet. Next time I will invite people into the conversation by asking them direct questions. For the most part my group had great critical thinking, however, I think in the future we could be able to recognize more than one way to solve the problems.