BIOMOLECULES WEBQUESTName:

Follow the links to answer the questions. Type your answers in a bulleted form.

PART 1- The Biomolecules

  1. Use a *reliable* internet source to find the definition of an ORGANIC MOLECULE.
  2. Are the following molecules organic? Briefly explain what they are and why they would/not be considered organic.

CH4______H2O______

NH4 ______C6H12O6______

CO2 ______

  1. List three more organic molecules that are important to your life, including their function.

______

CARBOHYDRATES- explore the following sites:

  1. What is another name for carbohydrates?
  2. What are the functions of sugars?
  3. What are 2 suffixes that the scientific sugar names end with?
  4. How do the prefixes of the –saccharide words relate to the structure of the sugar?
  5. What are three interesting facts you learned?

______

LIPIDS- explore these sites:

  1. What is another name for lipids?
  2. What are the functions of lipids?
  3. What are 4 locations of lipids in your body?
  4. How do saturated fats differ from unsaturated fats?
  5. What are three interesting facts you learned?

______

PROTEINS- explore these sites:

  1. What are the functions of proteins?
  2. What are 5 proteins in your body?
  3. What are three interesting facts you learned?

______

NUCLEIC ACIDS- explore this site:

  1. What are the functions of nucleic acids?
  2. What structure do nucleic acids have?
  3. What are three interesting facts you learned?

PART 2- BIOMOLECULES FOR BREAKFAST

  1. 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
  1. Why do you think it is recommended that you ingest more carbohydrates than proteins or lipids?
  2. 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)
  1. 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)
  2. 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).