dusjagr & nano talk on open tools for agriculture research and learning
Biological molecules 2018
1.
2.
DNA
A DNA molecule looks like a twisted ladder,
with two long strands parallel to one another
with bases in between forming cross links;
we call this shape a double helix.
There are four types of bases, we give them
letters A, T, C and G.
Base A always pairs with T while base C
always pairs with G. The sequence of these
bases codes for the sequence of amino acids
that make up proteins, different sequences
code for different characteristics.
3. Carbohydrate molecules contain: C, H, O
H:O is 2:1 like in water molecule
Made up of smaller molecules : sugars or monosaccharides.
e.g. glucose, fructose … we call them simple sugars
Two sugars bonded together are called disaccharides e.g. maltose,
lactose, sucrose.
Many sugars bonded together make a polysaccharide
e.g. starch, cellulose, glycogen.
Carbohydrates are a source of energy to our bodies.
Carbohydrates
Plant cells
for storage
Plant cell walls
For support
Animal cells
for storage
6.
We use Iodine solution (I2/KI), which is a yellowish
brown solution that turns to a blue-black colour
when it reacts with starch
To test for starch
7.
We use Benedict’s solution to test for reducing
sugars. It is a Blue solution, when a reducing sugar is
mixed with Benedict’s solution and boiled it forms a
precipitate that is green, yellow, orange or brick red.
To test for reducing sugars
8. Protein molecules contain elements: C,H,O,N (S,P)
Proteins are made of smaller molecules called amino acids.
Two amino acids bonded together are called dipeptides.
Many amino acids bonded together make a polypeptide.
Proteins are needed to make:
1. Enzymes
2. Haemoglobin
3. Muscles fibers
4. Hair and nails (Keratin)
5. Cell membranes of cells
6. As a source of energy during starvation.
Proteins
10.
We use NaOH and CuSO4
(Biuret solution) that has a pale
blue colour, when it reacts with
proteins it changes its colour to
lilac, or purple or mauve.
To test for proteins
11.
Fat molecules contain elements: C,H,O
Each fat molecule contains one glycerol and three fatty
acids
Fats are needed to:
1. Make cell membranes of cells
2. Good energy storage
3. Act as a heat insulator under the skin
4. Protect some organs
Fats
13.
Add Ethanol to the sample
then shake vigorously to
dissolve the fat, then add
water. A milky/cloudy
appearance is formed.
To test for fats
14. There are many vitamins known to us by now, we will
study vitamin C and vitamin D as examples.
Vitamin C, the first discovered vitamin, is needed by
the body to make an important protein called collagen
that toughens the skin, walls of blood vessels and
bones.
Lack of vitamin C causes inability to form collagen
fibres which gives strength to blood vessels and skin.
Deficiency symptoms: bleeding gums, skin ulcers.
Deficiency disease: scurvy
Vitamins
15.
Citrus fruits
Bell peppers
Dark leafy vegetables
Tomatoes, guava
Broccoli, grapes
Foods rich in vit. C
16.
Use DCPIP a blue stain that becomes colourless
when reduced.
To compare the amount of ascorbic acid (vit. C) we
can count the number of drops (or …) needed to change
the blue DCPIP into colourless.
To test for Vitamin C
17. Your body must have vitamin D to
absorb calcium and promote bone
growth. Too little vitamin D results in
soft bones in children (rickets) and
fragile bones in adults (osteoporosis).
Vitamin D
18.
Fish especially fish oil
Milk and milk products
Egg yolk
Mushrooms
Our skin can make vit. D
when exposed to
sunlight
Vitamin D