Macromolecules Building Blocks of Life for Elephan
Learn how macromolecules—carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins—serve as the building blocks of life. Explore their roles in energy, structure, and repair through the diets of elephants and lions in this nutrition-based investigation.
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Name: Sophie Venezia Date:
Macromolecules: What are the building blocks of life?
Background Information: From the smallest single-celled
organism to the tallest tree, all life depends on the properties and
reactions of four classes of organic (carbon-based)
compounds— carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic
acids We will spend an entire unit later in the year on nucleic
acids. Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Proteins are the 3 building
blocks of all living things that we will focus on this unit. These are
called MACROmolecules because they are large molecules. They are responsible for most of
the structure and functions of the body, including energy storage, insulation, growth, repair, and
communication. Simple organic molecules can be joined together to form all the essential
biological molecules needed for life.
Directions: Table 1 shows a sample elephant diet and Table 2 shows a sample lion diet based
on the animal nutrition lab. Using the background information, predict the main function of the
macromolecules found in their diet.
Table 1 Table 2
Elephant proteins {%) fats (%) carbs {%]
aialfa hay 19.0 - 56.0
grass hay 11.0 - 55.0
timothy hay 3.0 - 80.9
Lion proteins {%) fats {%) carbs (%}
beef 50.0 3.9 -
deer 80.7 6.3 -
pig 50.7 33.2 -
• Elephant
o Proteins'
□ carbohydrates: Carts work as a main source of energy to fuel daily life.
• Lion
... p r o t e j R S . The pnr w i act as a repair wjpplemenl to repair things such as llsaues.
D Fats: Tile fats are cr main source of energy and help make growth.
Macromolecules: What are the building blocks of life?
Background Information: From the smallest single-celled
organism to the tallest tree, all life depends on the properties and
reactions of four classes of organic (carbon-based)
compounds— carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic
acids We will spend an entire unit later in the year on nucleic
acids. Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Proteins are the 3 building
blocks of all living things that we will focus on this unit. These are
called MACROmolecules because they are large molecules. They are responsible for most of
the structure and functions of the body, including energy storage, insulation, growth, repair, and
communication. Simple organic molecules can be joined together to form all the essential
biological molecules needed for life.
Directions: Table 1 shows a sample elephant diet and Table 2 shows a sample lion diet based
on the animal nutrition lab. Using the background information, predict the main function of the
macromolecules found in their diet.
Table 1 Table 2
Elephant proteins {%) fats (%) carbs {%]
aialfa hay 19.0 - 56.0
grass hay 11.0 - 55.0
timothy hay 3.0 - 80.9
Lion proteins {%) fats {%) carbs (%}
beef 50.0 3.9 -
deer 80.7 6.3 -
pig 50.7 33.2 -
• Elephant
o Proteins'
□ carbohydrates: Carts work as a main source of energy to fuel daily life.
• Lion
... p r o t e j R S . The pnr w i act as a repair wjpplemenl to repair things such as llsaues.
D Fats: Tile fats are cr main source of energy and help make growth.
Directions: Analyze Model 1 and answer the questions that follow.
MODEL 1: Macromolecules of Life are made from repeating smaller monomer units such as
glucose, glycerol and glycine.
Lipid Protein
H
i
H - C - O H H H ,0\ 1 //
H-C-OH N - C - C
/ 1 x
H H 0”H
H-COM
1
H
Glycine
Glycerol
Key: H = Hydrogen; O = Oxygen; C = Carbon; N = Nitregen
Questions:
1. A complete carbohydrate is a macromolecule. This means that it is a large or small molecule.
(Choose one}
Large
2. Use Model 1 to show which atoms are present in each type of molecule by listing the symbol for each
atom included (an atom = element in the molecule). Carbohydrate has been done for you.
a. Carbohydrate: C. H, 0
b. Lipid: C, H, 0
c. Protein: 0
3. List 3 similarities between the 3 types of macromolecules.
SL They aFl contain Hydrogen. Oxygen, and Carbon
b All are macromolecules
c All a source of energy
4. List 3 Differences between the 3 types of macromolecules.
2L Combined differently
b lipids release energy faster
c carbs take longer to digest
MODEL 1: Macromolecules of Life are made from repeating smaller monomer units such as
glucose, glycerol and glycine.
Lipid Protein
H
i
H - C - O H H H ,0\ 1 //
H-C-OH N - C - C
/ 1 x
H H 0”H
H-COM
1
H
Glycine
Glycerol
Key: H = Hydrogen; O = Oxygen; C = Carbon; N = Nitregen
Questions:
1. A complete carbohydrate is a macromolecule. This means that it is a large or small molecule.
(Choose one}
Large
2. Use Model 1 to show which atoms are present in each type of molecule by listing the symbol for each
atom included (an atom = element in the molecule). Carbohydrate has been done for you.
a. Carbohydrate: C. H, 0
b. Lipid: C, H, 0
c. Protein: 0
3. List 3 similarities between the 3 types of macromolecules.
SL They aFl contain Hydrogen. Oxygen, and Carbon
b All are macromolecules
c All a source of energy
4. List 3 Differences between the 3 types of macromolecules.
2L Combined differently
b lipids release energy faster
c carbs take longer to digest
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Subject
Biochemistry