Macromolecules Web Activity

I learned alot form this activity like how we get cavities. I enjoyed reading the articles!!

Web Activity: Macromolecules in Cells

Open your web browser and navigate to:

http://www.sci.uidaho.edu/bionet/biol115/t2_basics_of_life/lesson2.htm

Read the introduction to Macromolecules and answer these questions:

1. What is a macromolecule?

Refers to a class of usually large molecules that are important to biology.

2. What is a monomer?

is any of several small molecular structures that my be chemically bonded together to form long multi-part polymer molecules.

3. What is a polymer?

A large molecule made up of similar or identical subunits called monomers

4. List the four main types of macromolecules.

Proteins, Lipids, Carbohydrates, Nucleic Acids


In the learning materials box click the link for the activity “making and breaking polymers.” Use this activity to help answer the following questions:

5. What are the types of reactions that macromolecules are shown to undergo?

Dehydration Synthesis and Hydrolysis Reactions

6. Describe how monomers are joined together.

Dehydration Synthesis also known as condensation reaction

Condensation reaction

7. Describe how polymers are broken down.

Hydrolysis reactions

Hydrolysis reaction break down polymers by breaking the covalent bond holding the monomers together

8. What is the specific name for the bond between simple sugar monomers?

Covalent Bond

9. Which kind of enzyme joins monomers together?

Polymerase enzyme


Back on the previous macromolecules page, scroll down to the section on carbohydrates. In the learning materials box for carbohydrates click the link to the “build a carbohydrate” activity.

10. Describe how you had to arrange the sugar monomers in order to build a polysaccharide.

I had to drag 3 more sugar molecules and rotated them til they linked creating a 4-molecule polysaccharide.

11. Which building blocks of macromolecules are not used in building carbohydrates?

Nucleotide, Fatty Acid, and Amino Acid


Back on the previous carbohydrates page, click on the link on the bottom of the page labeled “More on Carbohydrates.” Read the article and answer these questions:

12. Why is sugar stored as glycogen in the human body?

It is stored as glycogen so the liver can produce more sugar for the body in case a little amount is taken in or absorbed.

13. Why are plant foods essential to animal life?

It is essential because they contain carbohydrates witch contain glucose.

14. Describe how starch is digested by animals.

1st digested by mouth by salivary amylase. Then to the small intestine and digested with pancreatic amylase. Then the starch chains are broken down into individual molecules by glucoamylase witch are then absorbed.

15. What is “fiber” and why is it important in your diet?

Fiber is important because it is the indigestible carbohydrate polymer from fruits and veggies!!! Also fiber absorbes and makes the toxins become neutral in foods and can be linked to decrease to bone cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

16. What causes you to pass gas (fart) according to the article?

Ha ha this was weird to read but what causes you to fart is the fermentation of the undigested carbohydrates and protein we eat by the anaerobic microorganisms in out colon

Scroll back up to the top of the carbohydrates article and click on the link in the text to “Low Carbo Madness” and read the linked article. (or click here)

17. What are some disadvantages of a low-carb diet?

Some disadvantages of a low carb diet is it is hard to stick to ha ha i have tried by the disadvantages are they are ineffective and there are is a rick to cardiovascular disease and a decrease in energy.



Return to the original carbohydrates lesson page and click on the link on the bottom “Carbohydrates and Cavities” and read the linked page.

18. Describe the role that sugars play in cavity formation in your teeth.

The role sugar plays in cavity formation in your teeth is when you eat carbs they metabolized into acid and the acid wears down the teeth and the enamel over a ling period of time.