macromolecules close reading assignment answer key quizlet

Teaching Macromolecules in Biology

Can I be honest? Teaching macromolecules could very well be one of the most boring topics in Biology! Well….it was for me….until last year, when I decided to re-vamp my lesson plan to include more engaging activities. Today, on the blog, I am sharing some ideas for Teaching Macromolecules in Biology .

Introduction

One of my most effective teaching strategies is to expose students to content BEFORE it’s taught. That is the purpose of my Introduction to Macromolecules Close Reading Packet . This resource allows students to get foundational information so that I can build on that knowledge later with a lesson. To get a FREE copy of my Macromolecules Close Reading Packet , click here .

Lesson and Notes

After my students have established a foundational understanding of the four macros, I quickly run through a lesson that showcases each macromolecule, its structure, function and importance. The lesson can get a little boring, so I provide my students with Science scribbles that allows them to doodle and color while I teach. My lesson and notes are part of my Macromolecules Lesson Bundle . Check it out here .

Macromolecules Video

To reinforce the information shared in the lesson, I always show a 5-10 minute video that explains the four macromolecules. Here are a few of my favorites:

Amoeba Sisters- Biomolecules

Crash course biology- you are what you eat, bozeman science- the molecules of life, macromolecules manipulatives & interactive notebook page.

My students do pretty well with the content until we start talking chemistry. The structure and components that comprise each of the macromolecules is often difficult to grasp. In an effort to help my students understand this concept, I construct macromolecules with my students. I physically walk them through the entire process of coloring, cutting and pasting each monomer to create a structural representation of the polymers discussed. This one lesson is the “light bulb” moment for many of my students and just the activity that I need to help them understand a seemingly difficult concept. This activity is part of my Macromolecules Lesson Bundle that can be previewed here .

Macromolecules Murder Mystery

This part of the lesson is always a student favorite! Who doesn’t love a good mystery? I set the stage for this murder mystery by creating a little intrigue (see image).

I provide the students with a sample of “evidence” and they must test the evidence for proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Once they determine the macros present in the evidence, they will use information that I provide them to solve the case!

You can get my Macromolecules Murder Mystery Lab HERE .

Macromolecules Review

Before assessing my students, I have them get out of their seats for a gallery walk. I hang 28 task cards around the inside of the classroom and outside hallway and have students work with a partner to review. Students love having the opportunity to move around the classroom and this resource is the perfect review before their test.

To grab these Macromolecule Review Task Cards , click HERE .

I hope that you found something that you can use to make your next MACROMOLECULES lesson informative, fun and engaging! Talk to ya soon!

• Read more about: BIOLOGY

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3.1 Synthesis of Biological Macromolecules

Learning objectives.

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

• Understand macromolecule synthesis
• Explain dehydration (or condensation) and hydrolysis reactions

As you’ve learned, biological macromolecules are large molecules, necessary for life, that are built from smaller organic molecules. There are four major biological macromolecule classes (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids). Each is an important cell component and performs a wide array of functions. Combined, these molecules make up the majority of a cell’s dry mass (recall that water makes up the majority of its complete mass). Biological macromolecules are organic, meaning they contain carbon and are bound to hydrogen, and may contain oxygen, nitrogen, and additional minor elements.

Dehydration Synthesis

Most macromolecules are made from single subunits, or building blocks, called monomers . The monomers combine with each other using covalent bonds to form larger molecules known as polymers . In doing so, monomers release water molecules as byproducts. This type of reaction is dehydration synthesis , which means “to put together while losing water.”

In a dehydration synthesis reaction ( Figure 3.2 ), the hydrogen of one monomer combines with the hydroxyl group of another monomer, releasing a water molecule. At the same time, the monomers share electrons and form covalent bonds. As additional monomers join, this chain of repeating monomers forms a polymer. Different monomer types can combine in many configurations, giving rise to a diverse group of macromolecules. Even one kind of monomer can combine in a variety of ways to form several different polymers. For example, glucose monomers are the constituents of starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Polymers break down into monomers during hydrolysis. A chemical reaction occurs when inserting a water molecule across the bond. Breaking a covalent bond with this water molecule in the compound achieves this ( Figure 3.3 ). During these reactions, the polymer breaks into two components: one part gains a hydrogen atom (H+) and the other gains a hydroxyl molecule (OH–) from a split water molecule.

Dehydration and hydrolysis reactions are catalyzed, or “sped up,” by specific enzymes; dehydration reactions involve the formation of new bonds, requiring energy, while hydrolysis reactions break bonds and release energy. These reactions are similar for most macromolecules, but each monomer and polymer reaction is specific for its class. For example, catalytic enzymes in the digestive system hydrolyze or break down the food we ingest into smaller molecules. This allows cells in our body to easily absorb nutrients in the intestine. A specific enzyme breaks down each macromolecule. For instance, amylase, sucrase, lactase, or maltase break down carbohydrates. Enzymes called proteases, such as pepsin and peptidase, and hydrochloric acid break down proteins. Lipases break down lipids. These broken down macromolecules provide energy for cellular activities.

Link to Learning

Visit this site to see visual representations of dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis.

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Free Printable macromolecules worksheets

Science teachers, discover a collection of free printable macromolecules worksheets to help your students explore the fascinating world of large molecules. Enhance their learning experience with these valuable resources.

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Explore printable macromolecules worksheets

Macromolecules worksheets are an essential tool for teachers to help their students understand the complex world of Science and Biology. These worksheets provide a comprehensive and engaging way for students to learn about the four major types of macromolecules – carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. By using these worksheets, teachers can create interactive and hands-on learning experiences that cater to different learning styles and abilities. Furthermore, these resources can be easily adapted to suit the needs of various grade levels, ensuring that students of all ages can benefit from this valuable educational material. Macromolecules worksheets not only aid in the retention of key concepts but also help to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making them an indispensable resource for any Science or Biology teacher.

In addition to macromolecules worksheets, Quizizz offers a wide range of resources and tools that can greatly enhance the learning experience for both teachers and students. Quizizz is an online platform that allows teachers to create and share quizzes, polls, and other interactive content, making it an excellent complement to traditional worksheets. With Quizizz, teachers can easily track student progress and identify areas where additional support may be needed. Moreover, the platform offers a vast library of pre-made quizzes and other resources, covering a wide array of topics in Science, Biology, and beyond. By incorporating Quizizz into their lesson plans, teachers can create a more dynamic and engaging learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of their students. This combination of macromolecules worksheets and Quizizz's innovative tools ensures that teachers have the resources they need to help their students succeed in the ever-evolving world of Science and Biology.

Macromolecule Worksheet / Quiz (includes key)

• Word Document File

What educators are saying

Description.

This two page worksheet can be used as classwork, homework, or a quiz. This worksheet reviews monomers and polymers of the 4 types of macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acics, carbohydrates, and lipids). A variety of question types are used including matching, multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer. I made this worksheet with the intention of using it as a homework assignment then decided to use it as a quiz instead.

*includes modified version with one less multiple choice answer and a word bank for the fill in the blank questions

*answer key is provided

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

More of my macromolecule resources:

Macromolecule square puzzle : This square puzzle allows a fun, challenging way for students to review the 4 macromolecules (lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and proteins). Topics on the puzzle include macromolecule elements, examples, monomers, functions, structure, and food sources. The original, non-cut sheet can be used as an answer guide since they are arranged in the correct order on the sheet.

Macromolecule Riddles : A fun way to get your students thinking about the terms related to macromolecules. These rhyming riddles use information in a creative way that gets students to think a little more in depth about the topic.

Find Your Match: Macromolecule Game : This quick and easy activity gets students up out of their seats to show their understanding of macromolecules as a class. All students must work together to match up a macromolecule to its monomers, elements, food sources, and examples. This activity comes in a word document that you can customize completely if you want to add more matches or change the size of the cards.

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