Lab # 2
Date: Nov. 5, 2020
Topic: Macromolecules
Aim: To investigate the types of food nutrients present in apple, biscuit, and cheese
Apparatus/Materials: test tubes, conical flasks, iodine solution, biuret solution, benedict
solution, apple, cheese, biscuits, mortar, and pestle, filter paper, filter funnel, dropper
Method:
1. Samples of biscuits, apple and cheese were gathered and crushed.
2. Sample of apple was added to a 100ml beaker.
3. A small amount of distilled water was added to it using a wash bottle and was stirred.
4. The food samples were filtered using a filter paper, filter funnel and a conical flask.
5. Four test tubes were prepared.
6. Using a dropper, small amounts of the filtered apple solution were transferred to each test
tube.
7. For each test tube of the apple, small amounts of benedict’s solution, biuret reagent,
ethanol and iodine solution were added, respectively.
8. The test tube with ethanol was then heated in a hot water bath
9. Steps 2- 8 were repeated for both the biscuits and the cheese.
10. The observations were recorded in a table.
Observation:
TABLE SHOWING THE RESULTS OBTAINED FROM A FOOD TEST EXPERIMENT
Discussion:
Biomolecules are any of numerous substances that are produced by cells and living
organisms. They have a wide range of sizes and structures and perform a vast array of functions.
The four major types of biomolecules are carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins.
Benedict’s reagent is prepared from sodium carbonate, sodium citrate and copper (II) sulfate. A
positive test indicated by a change in color, often from blue to a brick-red / orange precipitate.
The mixture is then heated in a water bath. A positive result for the presence of reducing sugars
in the food is indicated by the formation of a precipitate and a change in color. The biuret test is
a chemical test that can be used to check for the presence of peptide bonds in each analyte.
Therefore, the biuret test can also be used to gauge the amount of protein present in the analyte.
In this test, the presence of peptides results in the formation of a pale purple color. The ethanol
solution test is done to show the presence of lipids in a substance. The substance is first dissolved
in ethanol. This solution is then dissolved in water. If lipids are present in the mixture, it will
precipitate and form an emulsion. Lipids are insoluble in water and soluble in ethanol (an
alcohol). After lipids have been dissolved in ethanol and then added to H2O, they will form tiny,
dispersed droplets in the water. This is called an emulsion. The iodine test is utilized to test for
the presence of starch. At the point when treated with KI solution, iodine broke up in a watery
arrangement of potassium iodide the tri-iodide-anion edifices with starch, creating a serious
blue/purple coloring. The apple, cheese and biscuits all showed indication of glucose also both
biscuits and cheese produced lipids, and starch. However, cheese was the only food sample that
showed indication protein was present. The function of glucose in the body is an energy
molecule. Cells take up glucose absorbed by the digestive tract and either use the glucose or
store it for later. The primary role of lipids in your body is to provide energy for muscles and
body processes. Lipids in your body are essential for proper digestion and absorption of food and
nutrients. Bile acids produced from lipids in your liver allow fat and water to mix in your
intestines and aid in the breakdown and absorption of food. Lipids are then needed to transport
the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K, from your intestines to your bloodstream. The only
function of starch in the human diet is to convert into glucose for energy. Protein is responsible
for many processes in your body, not just one single function. One of its main roles is to act as a
structural component of cells and tissues.
Limitation
● The time the test tubes were kept in the hot water bath was not accurate.
● The volume of food samples differs in each test tube for the same test.
● The volume of benedict’s solution, biuret reagent, ethanol and iodine added to the food
samples were not accurate.
Sources of error
● Observational / random errors
● Environmental errors
Precautions
● Ensure the working space is clear and clean.
● Clean apparatus after use each time
● No playing near chemicals
● Ensure supervisor is present.
● Do not mix unknown chemicals without being told to do so.
Conclusion
This test reveals the hidden lipids, sugars, proteins, and starch in food items. Compounds such as
sugars and fats are present in living things. Though the food samples being tested had more than
one compound present, different food samples have different compounds present. It was evident
that the biscuits and apple contained reducing sugars while the cheese did not, the biscuit and
cheese both contained starch and none was present in the apple, and the cheese was the only one
that contained proteins and also lipids.
Reflection
This experiment, for most part, met my expectations even though it was shocking to know that
cheese had produced glucose. I also expected the apple to show more results than it did.
