IDENTIFICATION OF BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES

CHEMICAL LAB TESTS

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Benedicts Reagent - A Test for Simple Sugars
(monosaccharides and some disaccharides)

Upon heating, Benedicts Reagent for 4-6 minutes in a boiling water bath, a small amount
of sugar in the sample will turn yellow-green and a large amount of sugar will turn orange
to brick red.

















Lugols Iodine - A Test for Starch (a polysaccharide)

Lugols Iodine (Iodine Potassium Iodide Solution) will turn deep blue-black to purple-black in
the presence of starch.












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IDENTIFICATION OF BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES
CHEMICAL LAB TESTS
2 | P a g e


Biuret Solution A Test for Proteins (peptide bonded molecules)

Biuret Solution contains sodium hydroxide and copper sulfate which, upon heating,
reacts with the peptide bonds in proteins to give an attractive purple color.




















Brown Paper Test - A Test for Lipids (fats, oils and waxes)

Lipids will leave an oily, translucent smear when absorbed into brown paper. This is
easier to see when held up to a light or sunny window.

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