Oleic acid model to investigate lipids dimensions.

1. Explore properties of lipids and water.

1. Read Franklin’s description of pouring oil on water from here <http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/288150.html>

2. Give students plastic pipettes, water, oleic acid (oil), parafilm square, desktop

1. Students make water drop on desk and parafilm; how are they different? Why?

2. Student make oil drop on desk and parafil; how are they different? Why?

3. Generate discussion on molecule attraction and non-atraction. point out taht non-attraction is not same as repulsion. Relate to oil and water.

3. Write Oleic acid formula on board: CH3(CH2)7CH:CH(CH2)7COOH

1. have students “attempt” to make the formula into a molecule diagram.

2. Show CH4 and ethanol as examples (draw the diagram for students)

3. After students have struggled AND attempted, then show them idealized structure of formula.

4. 

5. [Draw as molecular structure diagram showing al C and adding H as stick - with no H for clarity.]

6. Discuss structure:

1. long C chain (not attracted to water)

2. mono-unsaturated

3. carboxyl group

1. =O (may form H bonds)

2. -O-H (may form H bonds)

4. Identify Oleic acid as a “fatty acid”

5. Diagram glycerol on board (CHOH-CHOH-COOH)

6. Show (superficially now; will be developed in chapter 3)

1. where new molecules like f.a. and phosphate will/can be added

2. briefly show dehydration syntehsis of f.a. to attach to glyceriol

3. note that a glycerol with 2 f.a. and one carboxyl group is a “phospholipid.” [s ee below]

4. 

    

2. Reference documents

• Oleic acid handout ;

• Prac 6 "Determine the length ...";

• "Size of an atom" ;