The Yolks on You

Egg Macromolecule Conclusion
The question was asked "Can macromolecules be identified in a egg cell?"

Egg membrane
Macromolecules like proteins can be found in the membrane. In our experiment, we found that the cell membrane tested the most positive out of all of the other parts of egg. It was rated a 8 out of 10 with the purplest color. We knew this because proteins are found in the membrane, cytoplasm and cytoskeleton of the cell. This supports our claim because the membrane has the most protein in the egg. This proved that proteins could be identified in the egg cell by using sodium hydroxide and copper sulfate.

Yolk
Macromolecules like lipids can be found in the yolk. In our experiment, we found that the yolk tested the best for lipids and turned the most orange out of the other parts of egg. It tested a 9 out of 10 on color. This supports our claim because lipids are found in all of the organelles in the egg and the yolk has the organelles.

White
Macromolecules like monosaccharides can be found in the egg white. In our experiment, we found that egg white tested as one of the two most positive for monosaccharides. It tested a 4 out of 10 but it was still more present compared to other egg parts. This supports our claim because monosaccharies are found in the cytoplasm of cells and egg whites are the cytoplasm.

One error could be the judgement of color in the tests by different students. This could affect the true amount of macromolecules in a certain part of the egg. To fix this error, we could have discussed the rated and had multiple eyes judge the color. Another error that could have happened could have been that students dropped too much of an indicator. This would affect the color of each macromolecule test because a tube could appear darker than it should be because it had more drops. To prevent this error, the dropper should be used very carefully and the drops should be all equally distributed.

The purpose of this lab was to find out which macromolecules are present in different parts of an egg. This relates to the parts of the cell we are studying in class and how their components help them function. Different macromolecules can make up various cell parts because they can be used for different functions. This experiment can help in future situations because it taught us how use indicators to test for things our senses can't read. There could be experiments that require the use of indicators and we would know what to look for.