The document outlines an assignment for students to create fact sheets about the structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, including their properties that allow for separation from mixtures. Students will then discuss techniques that can be used to separate each of the molecules and include evidence that would show the separation was successful. The final task is for students to write a literature review on agarose gel electrophoresis, how it works to separate molecules, and attach an interpretation of electrophoresis results to determine band sizes in a sample. The purpose is to introduce medical biochemistry and molecular separation techniques. Completion of the tasks provides evidence that students can demonstrate and explain separation techniques, interpret experimental data, and evaluate the techniques used.

1. P1 M1 D1 Separating Biological Molecules
Unit 13: Biochemical Techniques Assessed by Teresa Greer
Start date: September 9th Hand in date: September 20th
Purpose
A small number of biological molecules contribute to the make up of larger organisms,
and the specific structure of these molecules relates closely to their function. Diseases
such as Sickle Cell are caused by a single change in an amino acid sequence. Such a small
alteration leads to such a massive consequence and through this unit students will under-
stand how the structure of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and DNA are vital to the role
that they play.
Scenario
You are creating an introduction to medical biochemistry pack to supplement the work of
the local hospital in National Pathology Week. Your role is to introduce students to a series
of vital biological molecules and the way they are used in understanding and diagnosis of
the function of the body in normal and disease state.
Task A This provides evidence for P1 and M1
You must create a series of fact sheets outlining the structure and function of protein, car-
bohydrates and lipids with particular emphasis on their properties suitable for separation
from mixtures and any medical implications.
Hand in date September 14th
Task B This provides evidence for P1 and M1
For each of the molecules you have created a fact sheet for you will discuss a technique
that can be used to separate them from a mixture. In your discussion you should include
an outline of the evidence you would be expected to see that separation was successful.
Hand in date September 18th
Task C This provides evidence for P1, M1 and D1
You will write a 2,000 word literature review discussing agarose gel electrophoresis, how
it works and its effectiveness as a separating technique. Along side this you will attach an
interpretation of the results of an electrophoresis to discover specific band sizes within a
sample.
hand in date September 20th
BTEC National Applied Science Separating Biological Molecules

2. Separating Biological Molecules
To achieve a pass grade To achieve a merit To achieve a distinction
the evidence must grade the evidence grade the evidence
show that the learner is must show that the must show that the
able to: learner is able to: learner is able to:
P1 demonstrate and ex- M1 interpret data from D1 evaluate the tech-
plain laboratory tech- experiments designed to niques used in separat-
niques that can be used separate biological ing biological mole-
to separate mixtures of molecules cules
biological molecules
(proteins, lipids, carbo-
hydrates)
Assessed by: Teresa Greer
Internally verified by:
Hand in date: September 20th
BTEC National Applied Science Separating Biological Molecules