Egg Cell Macromolecules Lab Analysis

In this lab we asked the question "can macromolecules be identified in an egg cell?" We found that each part of the egg cell contained different macromolecules through a series of tests. To test for the different macromolecules, each part of the egg was placed in a solution that contained solvents that reacted with the macromolecules.

The egg membrane tested positive for lipids, polysaccharides, and monosaccharides. The polysaccharide turned black from the iodine test, and the lipids turned orange from the Sudan III solution, while the monosaccharides turned blue from the Benedicts solution test. These tests show that the egg membranes tested positive for these different macromolecules as the colors observed changed from the presence of the macromolecules. This is because the cell membrane is made of phospholipids and carbohydrates are found on the outside of membranes for communication.

The egg white tested positive for all of the macromolecules we tested for. he polysaccharide turned black from the iodine test, the lipids turned orange from the Sudan III solution, and the proteins turned purple from the sodium hydroxide copper sulfate solution, while the monosaccharides turned blue from the Benedicts solution test. These tests show that the egg membranes tested positive for these different macromolecules as the colors observed changed from the presence of the macromolecules. This is because the egg white is used as energy storage for the nucleus, so  carbohydrates and lipids a re stored there. It also contains proteins for proper growth, development, and protection (enzymes for immunity).

The egg yolk tested positive for polysaccharides and monosaccharides. The polysaccharide turned black from the iodine test, and the monosaccharides turned blue from the Benedicts solution test. These tests show that the egg membranes tested positive for these different macromolecules as the colors observed changed from the presence of the macromolecules. This is because the egg cell nucleus is made of carbohydrates for energy and structure and contains an inner membrane that uses them for communication. In addition, the egg yolk should have tested positive for proteins and lipids as proteins make up the nucleus of the cell and the lipids are used to store energy for development.

        While our hypotheses were supported by our data, there could have been possible errors due to human error and difference data collection. The human error came in many forms, such as problems in measuring liquids for the different macromolecule tests and accidental mixing of the solution. These errors may have impacted the data, as improper liquid measurements lead to inexact solution levels, so the egg cell parts may have been exposed to an improper levels of solution, which would change the qualitative color change. Accidental mixings of the solutions may have diluted the color into the egg cell parts, thus changing the color outcome. Another error was the difference in data collection and observation. Because the data was qualitative, it was subjective to opinion, and people interpreted the changes in color differently, so the data may have been slightly altered. Due to these errors, in future experiments I would recommend being more accurate when measuring items, which may be impossible to cease, and creating a more quantitative way of measuring the qualitative data.

         This lab was done to demonstrate what parts of cells the where macromolecules are found in cell. From this lab I learned what macromolecules are found in the different parts of cells and what they are used for, which helps me understand the concept of cells and their different organelles. Based on my experience from this lab, I now know what cells are made of, which will provide context and background information for other parts cellular anatomy.