CP Biology
Name____________________________________________________________
Per______
Murder and a Meal?
An Organic Compounds Lab
The Case
A murder has occurred right here in our peaceful little town of Montvale, NJ. As top-notch
biology students at Pascack Hills High School you have been asked to assist in the
investigation of this most unfortunate incident. Central to identifying the individual who
committed this crime is establishing where the victim was the day of the crime so that
detectives can question the individuals with whom the victim came into contact. An
autopsy that was performed on the victim has revealed that the victim ate just prior to the
time of death. Upon questioning the victim’s friends and family, detectives working the
case have learned that the victim enjoyed eating at the following places.
Friendly’s
The victim had a sweet tooth and loved a large vanilla sundae with
Jellybeans and chocolate syrup.
What organic compounds would you expect to find in the stomach contents of the victim if the
victim’s final meal was eaten here?
Marc’s Pizza
The victim would never eat pizza from anywhere else! The victim would
typically order a pizza with sausage, pepperoni, and bacon.
What organic compounds would you expect to find in the stomach contents of the victim if the
victim’s final meal was eaten here?
Davey’s Grill
The victim would hang out here to watch sporting events while feasting on
Blazin’ wings and celery.
What organic compounds would you expect to find in the stomach contents of the victim if the
victim’s final meal was eaten here?
Olive Garden
The victim loved to go here to dip italian bread into delicious olive oil, and
have a bowl of “never-ending” pasta.
What organic compounds would you expect to find in the stomach contents
of the victim if the victim’s final meal was eaten here?
Procedure
Before analyzing the stomach contents of the deceased, you must determine the procedure
to be used to test for each organic macromolecule. Using information given in class and
your own research, write out the procedure for testing each of the following
macromolecules.
For each macromolecule you must:
Describe the procedure that you will follow to perform each test. What will the result look
like is the macromolecule is present (positive) or if it is not present (negative)
Record your results in Table 1
Data Table 1: Testing for Organic Compounds
Macromolecule Chemical Test- describe Positive Test
Result
Lipids
Negative Test
Result
Proteins
CarbohydratesStarch
CarbohydratesSimple Sugars
Procedure cont…
 Before you may begin your investigation, you must obtain approval of the above
tests from your teacher.
 Obtain small cup of the “stomach contents” and test using the approved procedures.
Don’t forget to include the control substances in your investigation. Why is this
important?
Data Table 2: Testing for Organic Compounds in Stomach Contents of Deceased
Test Results Lipids
Observations:
Test Results -Proteins
Test Results for Starch
Test Results for Sugars
Present?
Not Present?
Lab Analysis
Report your findings:
1. Write a statement regarding which restaurant the victim visited for his last meal.
2. Provide a logical explanation, using data from the tests on the stomach contents, that
explains how you reached that conclusion.
Conclusion:
Do you think a real forensic scientist would examine the contents of dead persons
stomach in the same way?
Explain how the results of this investigation and the specific chemical tests used would
be helpful for determining time of death.