Download Build a Monomer Project

AP Biology
Name __________________
Unit 3 Biochemistry
Date _________________
Build a Monomer Project
Almost all molecules made by cells are composed of carbon atoms bonded to one another and to
atoms of other elements (especially H, O, N). Compounds made by cells and containing carbon are
known as organic compounds. Carbon can form four covalent bonds with other carbons or other
types of atoms. Cells make a huge number of large molecules from a small set of small molecules.
These smaller molecules are called monomers and are linked together to make larger molecules
known as polymers. Four main groups of organic compounds exist --- carbohydrates, lipids, proteins,
and nucleic acids.
Objective: Each student will construct a monomer of an organic compound found within organisms.
You may construct one of the following --- glucose, fructose, galactose, glycine, alanine, saturated
fatty acid, unsaturated fatty acid, deoxyribose, ribose, or thymine.
1. Construct a 3-D model that correctly represents your monomer. It can be a space-filling model
or a ball & stick model.
a. It must be 3-D, durable, light weight, & stand up or hang from something.
b. Cannot use edible materials, but you can use common house-hold items such as soft
drink bottle caps, beads, styrofoam balls, etc. for the atoms.
 Color code the atoms as follows:
 Carbon – black
 Hydrogen – yellow
 Oxygen – red
 Nitrogen – blue
c. Bonds between atoms need to properly represented. (single, double bonds, etc)
2. You must make a project key that contains the following:
a. Key to all atoms and bonds ( Ex. single tooth pick = hydrogen bond)
b. The molecular formula
c. The structural formula labeled with important functional groups.
d. The polymer/macromolecule that this monomer is a part of.
e. Function of that macromolecule & how its structure relates/helps its function.
f. One interesting additional fact about the monomer.
Grading
Monomer:
Model
Key
Points Possible
Accuracy of Ball & Stick or Space Filling
Model (atom & bond placement)
Bonds correctly represented (single & double
bonds, etc)
Atoms correctly color coded
20
Durability & Portability of the model
7
Creativity in use of materials
5
All Atom & bonds matched with materials in
key (single tooth pick = hydrogen bond)
Molecular Formula Listed
10
Structural Formula Drawn
10
Functional Groups labeled on Drawing
5
The polymer/macromolecule that this
monomer is a part of.
5
Function of that macromolecule & how its
structure relates/helps its function.
10
One additional interesting fact about the
monomer.
5
Total Points Earned
10
8
5
Points
Earned