BIOLOGICALLY IMPORTANT MOLECULES LAB

Bio 121

Introduction: There are 4 categories of organic compounds found in living organisms: Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids & Nucleic Acids. Each of these macromolecules is made of smaller subunits.

These subunits are linked by dehydration synthesis, which is an energy-requiring process in which a molecule of water is removed and the two subunits are covalently bonded.

View the following video for an introduction to these biomolecules. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWf2jcznLsY&t=24s

Which of the solutions is a positive control for the reducing sugar test? A negative

control?

Which of the solutions is a positive control for the starch test? A negative control?

Which is a reducing sugar, sucrose or glucose? How do you know?

Which contains more reducing sugars, potato or onion juice? How do you know?

Which contains more starch, potato or onion juice? How do you know?

What does this tell you about how sugars are stored in onions and potatoes?

What are the functions of carbohydrates in living organisms?