1. BIOL2401: Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Molecular Modeling 101
How to use the molecular modeling kits:
Balls: Represent atoms of major elements and are color-coded. Refer to the chart on the kits for
color assignments. Drilled holes tell you how many “binding sites” each atom has.
Connectors: Represent chemical bonds. Short connectors are used for single bonds while long,
flexible connectors are used for double or triple bonds.
Create a Water Molecule: H2O
Synthesizing & Hydrolyzing Carbohydrates:
1) Create a Monosaccharide: Choose a simple sugar that you’d like to build. Keep in mind that
every corner of the pentagon or hexagon is a carbon atom.
2) Create and Break Down Disaccharides: Use dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis reactions
to create and break down disaccharides. You may use the following combinations to build your
disaccharide:
*Remove a water molecule to synthesize, add a water molecule to hydrolyze
2. 3) Create a Polysaccharide: To create a polysaccharide, continue to perform a series of
dehydration synthesis reactions to build a long chain of monosaccharides.
Synthesizing & Hydrolyzing Proteins:
1) Create an Amino Acid: Pick any amino acid you’d like to build. Start by building the
generalized structure of an amino acid. Identify the amine group and the acid group of your amino
acid. Add an “R” group.
2) Create & Breakdown Dipeptides: Use dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis reactions to
create and break down peptides.
3) Create a Polypeptide: To create a polypeptide, continue to perform a series of dehydration
synthesis reactions to build a long chain of amino acids.
4) Create a Protein: A chain of 50 or more amino acids create proteins
