Introduction

Recall from the law of Conservation of Matter that during chemical reactions atoms are not created or destroyed, only rearranged. As we study basic biochemistry in physiology, we will look at a simple model of organization.

We are interested in four basic macromolecules: carbohydrates (CHO), lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. In each category, the basic molecular units are called monomers. When the monomers are joined in a long chain, polymers are formed. The body continuously forms and decomposes polymers. The mechanics of spinning yarn is a good model for examining monomer-polymer relationships.

The basic "monomer" in this analogy is a single wool fiber. Do you know what type of macromolecule wool is (protein, CHO, protein or nucleic acid)? The same as your hair. We obtain this wool initially in the form of a fleece, cut right off the sheep. To you the wool will look like it’s in "scrappy wads". Therefore, in order to work with it you must organize it, which will take energy input. The process is called "carding the wool".

I have two cards available which the class will share. See the photo album for their picture.

Drop spindles are available on loan from me. If you want to keep them, pay me a dollar. You may wish to visit a craft store and make your own. I dyed mine with a stain of boiled walnuts.

Using a drop spindle, spin at least 20 feet of yarn. You may have to restart a few times, so card plenty of wool. Spin in a clockwise direction. This will establish a "Z" twist to your yarn. Once you finish, the next step is to "ply" the yarn by spinning two strands together in the opposite direction (counterclockwise) to establish a "S" twist.

You may wish to soak your finished product in 180 degree water for an hour to "set" the twist. Save your yarn for a later exercise on organic dyes.

WHEN YOU FINISH THE PROJECT, SHOW ME THE YARN TO GET CREDIT.

More details can be found at the Caveman Chemistry site