Name: Remegia, Lord Matthew R.

Date: 10-8-2022
Course & Section: BSES-1A-M Score: 83/83

Lecture Activity No. 3

Building Blocks of Plant Life

A. Overview:
Living things like plants can synthesize various substances which are essential to their
survival. These substances can be in form of carbohydrates, lipids, fats and proteins.
Each of these substances has distinct chemical properties. The reactions of these
chemicals to indicators in certain chemical tests can be used to identify them.
These biomolecules are predominant organic compound in living organisms that serve
as structural component of the cell, constituent of protoplasm and principal participant in
biochemical reactions such as the major substrate of respiration, synthesis of chemicals,
excretion of wastes and uptake of nutrients which are important to life.
In this activity, you will be analyzing the procedures and test indicators with respect to
given scenarios concerning the molecules of life. B. Objectives:
1. Compare and contrast the different macromolecules of life.
2. Explain which macromolecule would be best to eat in different given scenarios.
3. Analyze the different test of macromolecules from the given case and food
samples.
4. Recognize the importance of water molecule and secondary metabolites to plant
life.

C. Pretest/Post-test:
Directions: Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. Which of the following categories do cellulose and starch belong?
A. monosaccharaides C. polysaccharides
B. disaccharides D. all of these
2. What do you call the monomers that makes up proteins?
A. nucleotides C. fatty acids
B. chaperones D. amino acids
3. Which of the following properties of water is responsible in aiding the transport of
liquids in plants, provide surface tension for aquatic organisms?
I. Adhesion II. Cohesion III. Polarization IV. Heat of vaporization
A. I and II only C. III and IV only B. I and III only D. II
and IV only
4. Which of the following is contained in a nucleotide of DNA?
A. ribose, thymine, and a phosphate group
B. ribose, uracil, and a phosphate group
 C. deoxyribose, uracil and a phosphate group
D. deoxyribose, thymine and a phosphate group
5. If you wanted to grow your hair out without fear of it breaking or becoming damaged,
what macromolecule should you increase in your daily diet?
A. protein B. lipid c. carbohydrate d. nucleic acid

Table 1.0 shows results submitted by the students in their laboratory report. Help them
tio interpret results by answering items 6-10.

Unknown Benedict’s Test Molisch’s Test Sudan IV Biuret Test

sample
1 Blue Clear Clear Violet
2 Orange Clear Red Blue
3 Blue-black Brick red Clear Blue
4 Blue Clear Red-orange Blue

6. Which of the following is positive for starch?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4
7. Which of the unknown sample contains lipid?
A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4
8. What color indicates the presence of protein?
A. blue B. blue-black C. red-orange D. violet
9. Which color is negative both for starch and protein?
A. blue B. red C. orange D. violet
10. Which tests can be used to test for starch?
A. Benedict and Molisch C. Sudan IV and Biuret
B. Benedict and Sudan IV D. Molisch and Biuret

D. Learning Activities
1. Background Information
Carbohydrates are composed of chains of carbons attached to oxygen and hydrogen.
Carbohydrates provide quick energy (monosaccharide), serve as an energy reserve
(polysaccharides), and is an important component of cell membranes. Carbohydrates
are grouped into three categories based on the number of saccharide units that are
characterized as a five or six ringed structure. Monosaccharides, like glucose and
fructose, are composed of one saccharide unit (quick energy). Disaccharides, like table
sugar (sucrose), are composed of two units and must be broken down by enzymes to
utilize for quick energy. Polysaccharides, like starch and glycogen (storage form of
glucose in muscle and liver), are composed of many units. Polysaccharides are used
by athletes before athletic events.
Lipids, like carbohydrates, are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Common lipids found in plants and animals are various fats and oils, waxes,
phospholipids, steroids, and cholesterol. These lipids represent stored and long term
energy or may be used to produce cell structures or substances. Lipids are insoluble in
 water. Proteins are made by joining many smaller monomers called amino acids. These
are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen.
Proteins are found in the membranes (peripheral and integral) and in the cytoplasm
of all cells. All enzymes are proteins and many hormones as well.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a very large, complex macromolecule structured
like a ladder that has been twisted into a spiral. The outer edges of the ladder are made
up of deoxyribose sugars and phosphates. The “rungs” of the ladder are composed of
nucleotide bases (guanine, cytosine, adenine, and thymine) that are arranged in a
specific sequence. It is the order of these nucleotide base pairs that determines the
instructional code carried by the DNA for genetic information and protein synthesis.
2. For other sources please refer to pdf attached and other Biology references.
3. Table Completion
3.1. Directions: Complete the given table by supplying the necessary information
based upon your readings and background information given about the
biomolecules.
Macromolecule Elements Elements Suffixes Function Monomer Examples Structure
Ratio (Food) (Illustrate)
1. Carbohydrates for the Soft
purpose Pretzel,
of Processed
supplying Cereal,
C:H:O 1:2:1 -ose energy, Monossac Canned
storing charides Frui,t
energy, Doughnut
constructi s, Soda,
ng Potato or
macromo Corn
lecules, Chips,
and Gummy
saving Candy,
protein French
and fat Fries
for other
purposes
2. Lipids They Fried foods
serve as include
essential items
signaling cooked in
C:H:O 2:1 -ol molecule Glycerol vegetable
s, oil, butter,
significan whole milk
t energy cheese,
stores, creamche
and ese,
structural avocados,
elements
of cell
membran and olives.
es, which
are the
body's
three main
biological
tasks.
Triacylgly
cerols,
phospholi
pids, and
sterols are
the three
primary
categorie
s of
lipids.
3. Protein It
enables
metabolic
response Eggs,
C:H:O:N NONE s to almonds,
- happen, Amino Acids chicken,
globin/gl aids in ricotta, skyr,
obulin tissue quinoa,
building and tuna
and
repair,
and
synchroni
zes
biological
processe
s.
Proteins
assist
your body
develop
and
repair
tissues,
allow
metabolic
reactions
to occur,
and
regulate
bodily
 functions
in
addition
to giving it
a
structural
framewor
k. They
also
maintain
optimum
pH levels
and fluid
balance.
Proteins
provide a
healthy
pH and
fluid
balance
in
addition
to giving
your body
a
structural
foundatio
n.
4. Nucleic Acid Nucleic meat, fish,
acids seafood,
serve to legumes,
store and and
C:H:O: NONE -ose express Nucleotide mushroom
N:P genetic s s
informati
on,
among
other
things.
The
informati
on that a
cell
requires
to create
proteins is
encoded
in
deoxyribo
nucleic
 acid
(DNA).

3.2. Guide questions:

3.2.1. What are the elements common to the given macromolecules?
How is the structure of carbon related to its function in macromolecules?
Think about the types of shapes carbon can form and why?

- The given macromolecules all share the atoms of carbon (C), hydrogen
(H), and oxygen (O). Additionally, each carbon atom has four valance
electrons. This enables them to join several elements with powerful
covalent bonds. A long chain or ring of carbon atoms can be created
thanks to the ability of carbon to bond with itself.

3.2.2. How is hydrolysis and dehydration synthesis related to each other?

- A water molecule is utilized for every link that is broken when polymers
are divided into smaller units (monomers), a process known as
hydrolysis. All macromolecules experience hydrolysis and dehydration
reactions, although each monomer and polymer reaction has a unique
category structure.

3.2.3. Why are carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids considered as

polymers while lipids are not?

- Since lipids only comprise one molecule and are not macromolecules,
they are not polymers. Instead, they are created when a glycerol
molecule mixes with substances known as fatty acids.

3.2.4. How does the structure of a protein make it capable of such a large
range of function?

- There are 20 different amino acids in proteins, and they can be

organized in any way. Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary are
the four stages of structure found in proteins. Any change to one of
these levels affects how the protein functions. This enables a wide range
of functions.

3.2.5. Which is the most important macromolecules? Explain.

- The most important macromolecules for maintaining life are nucleic

acids. They contain instructions for a cell's proper operation as well as
the genetic code for that cell.
4. Investigation (Case Study)

The Last Supper in the City

(A modified story version from Jodi Alligood et. al.) The
Case:
You are walking along the city after dinner, sometime after 8:30 P.M. in
Manila. You come across detectives at a crime scene of a young man named
Jose. The detectives have asked you (a forensic pathologist on vacation) to
assist in determining the cause of death and the individual(s) responsible. In
order to identify the victim and the individual who committed the crime, you
need to question all the individuals whom the victim came in contact with the
day before. Near the victim there was a substantial amount of body fluids
(vomit). In order to gain more information about the victims last known
location, you need to analyze the body fluid (vomit). In order to gain more
information about the victims last known location, you need to analyze the
body fluid (vomit) to identify at which establishment the victim had eaten. The
detectives have found receipts in the victims’ purse from the following
restaurants:
Korean BBQ Restaurant
The victim loved to eat Korean barbeque with his
friends at the KOREAN BBQ House.
What macromolecules would you expect to
find in the stomach contents if the victim’s
final meal was eaten here?

Pasta Mania
The victim loved to go here for a night bread,
olive oil and pasta
What macromolecules would you expect to
find in the stomach contents if the victim’s
final meal was eaten here?
 Burger House
The victim would hang out here to watch concert
events while feasting on fast food burgers.
What macromolecules would you expect to
find in the stomach contents if the victim’s
final meal was eaten here?

As a forensic pathologist, you have removed the contents of the victim’s

stomach to analyze and determine where the victim had her last meal.
Procedure:
In order to analyze the contents of the body fluid (vomit) you need to utilize
the following tests and refer to the pictures as a result of the test conducted.
Benedicts Test (Glucose) –Test tube A
1. Add a spoon full of stomachs contents to test tube A. 2. Add
10 drops of Benedict’s solution to test tube with contents.
3. Gently stir the contents of the test tube until you see a color change.
4. Place the test tube in the hot water bath (250 mL beaker) for 10 minutes.
5. A negative test will result in a blue color. A positive test will result in an
orange color. Record the color observed.
6. Wash the beaker thoroughly with brush and soap.

Iodine Test (Starch) – Test tube B

1. Add a spoon full of stomach to test tube B.
2. Add 10 drops of Iodine solution to test tube B.
3. Gently stir the contents of the beaker until you see a color change.
4. A negative test will result in a dark red color. A positive test will result in a
black color. Record your observation.
5. Wash the beaker thoroughly with brush and soap.

Biuret Test (Protein)

1. Add a spoon full of stomach to test tube C.
2. Add 10 drops of Biuret solution to test tube C.
3. Gently stir the contents of the beaker until you see a color change.
4. A negative test will result in a blue color. A positive test will result in a
violet/black color. Record the color you observed.
5. Wash the beaker thoroughly with brush and soap.

Lipid Test – Brown Paper Bag Square/Spot test

1. Add 3 drops of the stomach contents onto the brown paper square (3 inch
by 3 inch).
2. Wait 3 minutes until the liquid has settled.
3. Wipe off excess vomit from brown paper bag.
4. Hold up the paper bag piece (3 inch by 3 inch) to the light and look at each
spot. The foods that contain lipids will leave a greasy mark that turns the
brown paper bag translucent.
5. Record your observations.
6. Dispose the sample and brown paper bag.

Results:

Benedicts Test (Glucose) Iodine Test (Starch)

Biuret Test (Protein) Lipid/Spot Test

4.1. Table Completion

 Directions: Analyze the given test procedures in testing the different
macromolecules and identify their positive and negative results for the
presence of organic molecules.

Macromolecule Chemical Test Positive Test Negative

Result Test Result
Proteins

Biuret Test None Negative

Lipids
Lipid/Spot Positive None
Test

CarbohydratesGlucose
Benedict’s None Negative
Test

CarbohydratesStarch
Iodine Test Positive None

4.2. Directions: Write your observations in the box provided for different tests
conducted and place the mark (X) if the given macromolecule is present
or absent in the tested samples as a result of your investigation.

Test for Test for Test for Test fo

Protein Lipids CarbohydratesGluco CarbohydratesStar
se ch
Observation Observation Observations: Observations:
s: s:
After being examined, Indicating a
The Lipids are the chemical had no positive result for
substance's present in orange color, which is carbs and starch,
blue tint the samples a the iodine test
is because definite exhibited a black
obviously the spot on indication that the test color.
noticeable the brown was negative. No
in the paper bag carbs, only glucose,
imag become are present in the
e, making translucent. sample.
it
negative.
Protein
levels were
 not found to
be present
after the
test.

Present: ✓ ✓

Not Present: ✓
✓
4.3. Claim /Evidence/Justification Worksheet
Directions: Write your answers inside the corresponding boxes.

Guide Question: Where did the victim have his last supper?
Claim:

In the Pasta Mania, the victim, Jose, consumed his final meal. At the
stated location, he had his final meal.

Evidence
The victim's body contains the
necessary proof. I checked the
victim's stomach and vomit. The
previous samples reveal favorable
results for lipids in starch, which are
naturally found in pasta and other
items in pasta Mania. Although the
food at the other two restaurants
contains lipids and starch, it falls short
of the standards needed for those
samples to test positive. Pasta
exceeded the threshold required for it
to be positive, establishing that Pasta
Mania was the victim's last meal.
Justification
Since the tests are carried out by
experts, the results are reliable.
Although the glucose test result was
not entirely negative, it was
nonetheless negative since it fell short
of the threshold required for that
sample to be considered positive, as
I've explained in the evidence.
 4.4. Describe how Sudan and Fehling’s test are conducted to a particular
macromolecule. How could these tests could also help to further verify
the result of the investigation?

- A sample is subjected to the Sudan test to see whether it contains lipids,

and the Fehling's test is used to see if it contains reducing carbohydrates
like starch. The key factors that led to the discovery of this investigation
were lipids and starch. It is the same whether these tests were undertaken
because the outcomes would be the same. In either case, these tests
allow us to identify the samples.

5. Venn Diagram
Directions: Compare and contrast DNA feom RNA be completing the Venn
diagram below.

DNA RNA
Made up of
Deoxribose sugar nucelotides Ribose sugar
Double stranded adenine Single stranded
no oxygen Have oxygen
guanine
Thymine
cytosine uracil

5.1. Why is DNA considered as the blue print of life?

- Due to the fact that DNA includes the instructions required for an
organism to develop, grow, survive, and reproduce.

5.2. What are the four types of RNA and how do they function?
- The four different RNA types are mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, and snRNA.
The amino acid composition of a polypeptide is encoded by the mRNA.
tRNA transports amino acids to ribosomes during translation. rRNA with
ribosomal proteins, makes up the ribosomes, the organelles that translate
the mRNA. snRNA combines with proteins to generate complexes that are
used to digest RNA.
6. Properties of Water:
1. Describe the following properties of water and explain how each is important to
living things: cohesion, adhesion, polarity, heat of vaporization, freezing point.
 - Cohesion is the attraction of molecules of the same material; for example,
water bonds to water. Adhesion is the attraction of molecules of dissimilar
materials; it occurs when water binds to another molecule. Cohesion and
adhesion are beneficial to life in a number of ways, including helping to transfer
liquids in plants and to generate surface tension for aquatic species.
Polarity: Molecules having polarity have ends with opposing charges. The water
atom's oxygen. The oxygen and hydrogen covalent connections in the molecule
more strongly attract the electrons. This results in a slight negative charge for the
oxygen and a slight positive charge for the hydrogen. Water is the best solvent
because of its polar properties.
Heat of vaporization: Changing the condition of water requires a lot of energy.
Since water bodies generally maintain consistent temperature conditions, this is
advantageous to aquatic creatures.
2. How is polarity related to cohesion and adhesion?

- Polarity is the cause of the attraction between molecules that results in cohesion
and adhesion. Molecules created by polarity have charged ends. Cohesion and
adhesion are produced by the attraction of opposite charges.

3. Compared to most other substances, a great deal of heat is needed to raise the
temperature of water by a given amount. This is because of

- Due to water's high heat capacity, molecules take a while to dissolve the
hydrogen bonds between them.

4. Frozen water is less dense than liquid water. Explain why this is important for
aquatic organisms.

- In lakes that occasionally freeze, this would get rid of a lot of aquatic life and
leave behind a system with a lot fewer life types.

7. Secondary Metabolites:
1. How do secondary metabolites such as phenolics, alkaloids, and
terpenoid protect or strengthen the plants?
- It guards the plant from harmful elements that could endanger its
existence in an unfavorable environment, such as physical harm,
diseases, or drought. The phenolic compounds in plants, particularly the
phenylpropanoids, are what give them their resistance to UV light. By
using hydrogen atom donation to scavenge free radicals, phenolic
substances protect cells from oxidative stress.