Bio Lab Manuel
Exercise 1: Correct Use of the Scientific Method and an Experiment with
Macromolecules
I. Objectives
In this lab, students will:
a.) Learn how to utilize the Scientific Method to develop a testable hypothesis
b.) Generate an effective experimental design from a hypothesis
c.) Understand the chemical differences between different macromolecules and how these differences can be used to design tests for each molecule.
d.) Identify macromolecules in solutions using chemical analyses.
e.) Practice recording data, writing up results, and drawing conclusions.
II. Introduction to the Scientific Method
To design an experiment about a particular topic, in this case macromolecules, we need to explore what is currently known about macromolecules and how their function can be observed in the model we will use in the laboratory. By taking into account our background knowledge, evidence from previous studies and general observations in order to generate our hypotheses, we are performing the process of inductive reasoning which is an important part of the Scientific
Method.
A. Background: Macromolecules
There are four classes of large, biologically important molecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Due to the size of these molecules, we refer to them as macromolecules. The properties and functions of the members of each class are determined by the arrangement of the atoms from which they form. In this lab, we will consider what each type of macromolecule is and how we can test for the presence of each in various solutions.
Carbohydrates include both simple sugars and complex carbohydrates. The primary difference between the two is size: simple sugars are monosaccharides while the larger, complex carbohydrates are made up of monomers of the simple sugars. Disaccharides, for example, are constructed of two monosaccharides joined by a covalent bond and polysaccharides are composed of more than two sugar building blocks.
Glucose
Macromolecules
I. Objectives
In this lab, students will:
a.) Learn how to utilize the Scientific Method to develop a testable hypothesis
b.) Generate an effective experimental design from a hypothesis
c.) Understand the chemical differences between different macromolecules and how these differences can be used to design tests for each molecule.
d.) Identify macromolecules in solutions using chemical analyses.
e.) Practice recording data, writing up results, and drawing conclusions.
II. Introduction to the Scientific Method
To design an experiment about a particular topic, in this case macromolecules, we need to explore what is currently known about macromolecules and how their function can be observed in the model we will use in the laboratory. By taking into account our background knowledge, evidence from previous studies and general observations in order to generate our hypotheses, we are performing the process of inductive reasoning which is an important part of the Scientific
Method.
A. Background: Macromolecules
There are four classes of large, biologically important molecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Due to the size of these molecules, we refer to them as macromolecules. The properties and functions of the members of each class are determined by the arrangement of the atoms from which they form. In this lab, we will consider what each type of macromolecule is and how we can test for the presence of each in various solutions.
Carbohydrates include both simple sugars and complex carbohydrates. The primary difference between the two is size: simple sugars are monosaccharides while the larger, complex carbohydrates are made up of monomers of the simple sugars. Disaccharides, for example, are constructed of two monosaccharides joined by a covalent bond and polysaccharides are composed of more than two sugar building blocks.
Glucose