Topic Four (1.4): Biological Molecules

Introduction

The fourth topic focuses on the biological molecules that are essential to life: carbohydrates, fats, oils and proteins. For each of these molecules, you need to be able to list the elements from which they are made. You must be able to recall that these large biological molecules are built from much smaller units. For each biological molecule, there is a specific test enabling the identification of the molecule. You need to be able to describe each of these specific biochemical tests and the results you would expect for a positive result.

The following key areas are covered in this topic:

• Carbohydrates and Testing for Carbohydrates
• Oils/Fats and Testing for Oils/Fats
• Proteins and Testing for Proteins

Topic Four is broken down into the following study sessions:

Session One (1.4.1): Carbohydrates and Testing for Carbohydrates

Session Two (1.4.2): Fats, Oils and Ethanol Emulsion Test

Session Three (1.4.3): Proteins and Testing for Proteins