Name: _______________________________ Date: __________________

Biochemistry Web Quest part 1

Introduction
Atoms are the basis of chemistry. They are the basis for everything in the Universe. You should start by
remembering that matter is composed of atoms. If you want to do a little more thinking, start with particles of
matter. Matter, the stuff around us, is used to create atoms. Atoms are used to create the elements. Elements are
used to create molecules. It just goes on. Everything you see is built by using something else. In Biology we
study the biochemical structure of living things. In this web quest you will review (or learn) some basic
chemistry and then become knowledgeable in the biochemical structure of living things.

For this webquest, Flash is required. If your computer gives you the option to open Flash, please do so. If a
page doesn’t work correctly, please Google the information.

Basic Atomic Structure

 Go to http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/matter/atoms.htm
 Click on the green “Play Video” to review atoms.
 Go to http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/matter/atoms.htm
 Click the “Test Yourself” button and record your score here: ___________
 Got to http://www.chem4kids.com/files/atom_structure.html
 Describe how atoms are like building blocks

 What are the three basic parts of an atom? Draw a basic picture of an atom.

 What particles are located in the nucleus? What is the charge for each particle?

 Where are electrons located? What is the charge for this particle?

 Compare the relative sizes of the particles you listed above.

 If the charge on the atom is 0, what does this mean?

 Click “Next page on atoms” a few times until you reach a page where you find “Creating
Bonds”. Name the two types of bonds covered here and write what they mean.
  Find out about a special type of covalent bond by going to:
https://manoa.hawaii.edu/exploringourfluidearth/chemical/properties-water/types-covalent-bonds-polar-
and-nonpolar
 Some covalently bonded molecules like dihydrogen monoxide (H2O) do not share electrons
equally. One of the atoms pulls harder on the shared electrons. Covalent molecules with this type
of uneven charge distribution are called _________________ bonds.
 Molecules with polar covalent bonds have a positive and a _____________ side.
 Click on each dog analogy to see a helpful animation of each type of bond!

NOW ON TO THE MACROMOLECULES!

First, what are the six most common elements in living things?
http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/biokit/chnops.html)

What is the acronym to help you remember these elements?

Step 1 Carbohydrates Tutorial

Click on the link provided and read the tutorial about carbohydrates. You may need to scroll up and down on
the small screen at the top of the tutorial for more information. When you finish go to Step 2 Lipids.
Internet Links: Carbohydrates http://www.wisc-online.com/objects/index_tj.asp?objid=AP13104

Carbohydrate Tutorial

1. Carbohydrates provide the raw fuel for ______________ ___________ ________________.

2. Give 3 examples of monosaccharides.
a.
b.
c.
***What does “monosaccharide” mean?

3. _____________ is the 6 carbon sugar found in blood.

4. _____________ is the sugar that sweetens fruit.
5. _____________ is the sugar found in milk.
6. Glucose can have a straight line of carbon atoms or form a _________ structure.
7. The 5 carbon sugars called pentose are used in nucleic acid synthesis are ___________________ and
__________________.

8. Give 3 examples of disaccharides using their scientific name, common name, and what they are made up
of.
a.
b.
 c.
***What does “disaccharide” mean?

9. Polysaccharides include _________________, _____________, and

___________.
***What does “polysaccharide” mean?

10. ________________ is the storage molecule made from glucose by plants.

11. ________________ is made by plants for cell wall construction.
12. Glycogen is the carbohydrate storage molecule found in ______________ and
_____________.

Step 2 Lipids Tutorial

Click on the link below and answer the questions on your sheet about lipids. When you finish the lipid portion
on your worksheet go to Step 3 to view Protein tutorial. Answer the questions on your sheet about Proteins.
Internet Links: Lipids http://www.wisc-online.com/objects/index_tj.asp?objid=AP13204

Lipid Tutorial

1. Lipids are organic molecules that are ___________________ in water, and what does that mean?

2. Give 3 examples of lipids.

a.
b.
c

3. Neutral fats are also called ________________________ because they have 3

fatty acids.
4. Neutral fats 3 functions:
a.
b.
c
5. The building blocks of neutral fat molecules are ____________ _________
__________.
6. ___________________ fatty acids originate form animal sources and are
___________ at room temperature. Only ____________ carbon bonds are found in these molecules.
7. ____________________ fats originate from plants and are _______________ at
room temperature. At least one _____________ carbon bond is found in these molecules.
8. _____________________________ are the chief components of all cell
membranes.
***Draw and label part of a cell membrane as shown on the slide.

***What does “hydrophobic” mean? What does “hydrophilic” mean?

9. _____________________ helps to stabilize cell membranes and is used by the
body to break down steroids.