Egg Cell Macromolecules Lab

In this lab we asked: "Can macromolecules be identified in an egg cell?" We found out that it is possible to identify macromolecules in egg cells. We used a series of different methods to identify macromolecules. To find monosaccharides used Benedict's Solution where we mixed copper sulfate with the egg parts. If there are monosaccharides, then it will turn from blue to green or orange. We mixed iodine with egg parts to see if there are polysaccharides. If there are polysaccharides, it will turn from brown to black. For the lipid test, we mixed the egg parts with Sudan III/IV. If lipid is present, it will turn from red to orange. Finally, to identify the protein, we mixed the egg parts with sodium hydroxide. If protein is present, it will turn from blue to purple. The egg membrane should contain proteins in it to help protect the insides. The egg yolk should contain monosaccharides, polysaccharides, and proteins because it keeps the chick healthy if the egg is fertilized. The egg white should contain lipids to produce energy for the chick.

While our hypothesis supported our data, there could have been errors due to using the same pipette for multiple things. The pipette could have had other things that mixed into the egg parts or solution and affected the results. Also, the membrane of the egg and the yolk might of had some egg white on it, which might have affected the results. The egg white might have had some macromolecules in it that is not in the egg membrane or the yolk. Due to the error, in future experiments I would check and make sure that I do not use a used material and be more careful. I would also try my best to keep each part of the experiment away from the other parts and make them as clean as possible.

This lab was done to demonstrate how to identify macromolecules in an egg cell and to see what kinds of macromolecules are in each part of the cell. From this lab, I learned about the different types of macromolecules which helps me understand the concept of what each of the macromolecules actually do. Based on my experience on this lab, I can now choose healthier foods to eat and understand how the macromolecules work inside my body. This lab has helped me choose healthier foods to eat.