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. If you card your own wool and then spin it, you get a bonus project point! If you don't want to card, I have prepared wool  which you may use. Some of it has been commercial dyed and some has not. You will eventually need to spind undyed wool for a later project on dyeing.
 

Using the spindle.	Two-ply

Drop spindles are available on loan from me. You may wish to visit a craft store and make your own for less than a dollar. I dyed mine with a stain of boiled walnuts.

Using a drop spindle, spin at least 10 meters of yarn. You may have to restart a few times. 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 will need a partner for this, so you can ply your two 10-meter strands together. Each person's yarn needs to be the same guage, or thickness - plan ahead.
You may wish to soak your finished product in 180 degree Faranheit water for an hour to "set" the twist. Save your yarn for a later exercise on organic dyes.

More details can be found at the Caveman Chemistry site

Criteria

Quiz:

1. What is the difference in a monomer and a polymer?
2. What are the four major organic molecule types?
3. What is potenial energy?
4. What is kinetic energy?