Lesson Plan: Carbohydrates

Define the terms monomer, polymer, macromolecule, Class ___________________

monosaccharide, disaccharide and polysaccharide

Lesson outline

 Learners write definitions for macromolecule, monomer and polymer and consolidate. (W) (Basic)
o Match the terms with relevant examples (include an introduction of DNA and RNA nucleotides).
o Discuss why lipids do not have monomers.
o Construct a simple table (complete bond names later).

type of organic monomer polymer name of bond

macromolecule
carbohydrate monosaccharide polysaccharide
protein amino acid polypeptide
nucleic acid DNA nucleotide polynucleotide
RNA nucleotide
lipid - -

 Further discussion (W) (Basic)

o The macromolecules are based on a skeleton of carbon atoms (‘life is based on carbon'), which can
form strong bonds with other atoms.
o Of the wide range of organic compounds formed, some provide energy for the cell.
 Introduce the terms condensation and hydrolysis by discussing the synthesis and breakdown of
polymers. (W) (Basic)
 Brainstorm some carbohydrates and agree whether monosaccharide, disaccharide or polysaccharide
(W) (Basic)
Note: Useful terms for later: pentose - nucleotide and nucleic acid structure in this unit,
hexose for respiration (Unit 9 ) and photosynthesis (Unit 11).

Key: whole class (W), group work (G), pair (P) and individual activities (I). homework (H) and
formative assessment (F)
Syllabus assessment aims and objectives
 Biochemical processes - Cells are dynamic: biochemistry and molecular biology help to explain
how and why cells function as they do.

Learner objectives
At the end of this activity learners will understand:

 Define the terms monomer, polymer, macromolecule, monosaccharide, disaccharide and

polysaccharide

Suggested extension work

 Students make notes on: monosaccharides, using the terms triose, pentose and hexose (glucose,
galactose and fructose as e.g. of hexoses); disaccharides (lactose, maltose, sucrose and
cellobiose), giving their constituent monosaccharides). (I) (Basic)

Resources
 http://www.rsc.org/Education/Teachers/Resources/cfb/carbohydrates.htm

© Cambridge International Examinations

 Bio Factsheet 78: Chemical bonding in biological molecules www.curriculum-press.co.uk

© Cambridge International Examinations