Composition of Biological Molecules

Directions

• Select one of the following biological molecules and indicate your choice on the signup list.

• Open MolView 

• View the molecule in 3D and rotate in space.

• Turn on the labels to identify the atoms in each molecule

  • Note:  if unable to see labels, follow this color code:  Carbon (black or gray), hydrogen (white), nitrogen (blue), sulfur (yellow), oxygen (red), phosphorus (orange)

• Record the number of each atom for the molecule in question in the form.  

• Examine the raw data for the entire class. 

• Examine the summary data for the entire class. 

Questions

• What can you conclude about the composition of biological molecules?

• Are there significant differences between the composition of the various classes of biological molecules?  If so, please explain

  • Use pTable and Periodic Table to compare the abundance of elements in humans vs. the ocean, crust and universe. Put your graphs in a collaborative online folder and summarize your findings in the quick write.