BIOMOLECULES WEBQUESTName:
Follow the links to answer the questions. Type your answers in a bulleted form.
PART 1- The Biomolecules
- Use a *reliable* internet source to find the definition of an ORGANIC MOLECULE.
- Are the following molecules organic? Briefly explain what they are and why they would/not be considered organic.
CH4______H2O______
NH4 ______C6H12O6______
CO2 ______
- List three more organic molecules that are important to your life, including their function.
______
CARBOHYDRATES- explore the following sites:
- What is another name for carbohydrates?
- What are the functions of sugars?
- What are 2 suffixes that the scientific sugar names end with?
- How do the prefixes of the –saccharide words relate to the structure of the sugar?
- What are three interesting facts you learned?
______
LIPIDS- explore these sites:
- What is another name for lipids?
- What are the functions of lipids?
- What are 4 locations of lipids in your body?
- How do saturated fats differ from unsaturated fats?
- What are three interesting facts you learned?
______
PROTEINS- explore these sites:
- What are the functions of proteins?
- What are 5 proteins in your body?
- What are three interesting facts you learned?
______
NUCLEIC ACIDS- explore this site:
- What are the functions of nucleic acids?
- What structure do nucleic acids have?
- What are three interesting facts you learned?
PART 2- BIOMOLECULES FOR BREAKFAST
- Explore the USDA food pyramid website. ( Examine the dietary guidelines ( and descriptions of the food groups ( to complete the table below: (you can cut and paste the tables into your project)
Is the group a source of… / Amount/day you need
Food Group / Describe / Carbohydrates? / Lipids? / Proteins? / Examples
Grains
Vegetables
Fruits
Milk
Meat & Beans
Oils/Extras
- Why do you think it is recommended that you ingest more carbohydrates than proteins or lipids?
- Next, list 10 food items you have eaten in the past day or two. For each, look up its nutritional information and dietary exchanges (
Amount from each food group:
Food Item / Grains / Vegetables / Fruits / Milk / Meat & Beans / Oils / Extras / Total Calories
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 (your all time favorite food)
- Were there any foods that the composition surprised you? Explain why this is. (if nothing surprised you, describe three things you learned from completing this activity)
- Write a paragraph evaluating the ‘healthiness’ of your diet. Use the food pyramid guidelines and any other online resources to help you determine what ‘healthy’ means. In your analysis, suggest 2 ways that you could improve your diet to include all of the major biomolecules and/or food groups. Include a list of any other additional sources you used (if not already mentioned in this activity).