Topic Proposal 1 of 6

Kyla Rahmadani 11T

Biology

Health risks of saturated fats in foods

“How does the result of the water bromine test determine the saturation of a fat in

finding a food's health risk?”

Lipids are a family of organic compounds that are composed of fats and oils that

are responsible for different functions within the human body. 1 Lipids are mainly used

for long-term energy storage in humans. The type of lipids that are stored in humans is

called fats, which are specialized groups of cells stored in the adipose tissue. 2 Fats also

help in the absorption of vitamins since they are only soluble in fat. 3 The types of lipids

that I previously studied consist of fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids.

However, I will only be testing on fatty acids since they are commonly found in foods. As

someone who enjoys eating different kinds of foods, I am interested in learning the

health risks and benefits from the foods that I like to consume and whether or not I

should switch to a healthy alternative for my diet.

Fatty acids are important building blocks of lipids that consist of a straight chain

of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Fatty acids are divided into two types, saturated and

unsaturated fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids contain a single carbon bond, while

1 Admin. “What Are Lipids? - Definition, Structure & Classification of Lipids.” BYJUS, BYJU'S, 5 July
2022, https://byjus.com/biology/lipids/#classification-of-lipids. Accessed 20 November 2022.

2 Allott, Andrew, and David Mindorff. Oxford IB Diploma Programme Biology Course Companion. Oxford
University Press, 2014.
3 “Fatty Acid.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/science/fatty-acid. Accessed 20
November 2022.
Topic Proposal 2 of 6

unsaturated fatty acids contain double or triple bonds. 4 Saturated fatty acids are

unhealthy because they increase “bad” LDL cholesterol in the blood which could lead to

serious health risks, like coronary heart disease. Foods like red meat, poultry, dairy

products, and processed food are foods that are advised to be avoided. Unsaturated

fatty acids are relatively healthier than saturated fatty acids because they aid in

controlling the levels of “good” HDL cholesterol by lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol in the

blood. Foods like fish, seeds and nuts are considered healthy alternatives for fat.

Different types of food contain different amounts of fat in them. We can test their

saturation by using the bromine water test.

For my experiment, I will be gathering various samples of food from different fatty

acid groups to be tested; butter, coconut oil, olive oil, whole milk, oat milk, and fish oil.

They will be dissolved in acetone in a test tube so that they can become soluble

compounds. A few drops of bromine solution will be added to each of the samples in the

test tube and shaken afterward. The independent variable is the number of drops of

bromine solution in each trial, while the dependent variable is the color of the sample

after the solution is added. If the sample shows an orange-red colored liquid, it indicates

that it is saturated. If the sample decolorizes, it indicates that it is unsaturated. 5 A data

table will be generated to record my results.

4“Fat: the Facts.” NHS Choices, NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/different-fats-

nutrition/#:~:text=Eating%20too%20much%20saturated%20fats,of%20heart%20disease%20and
%20stroke. Accessed 20 November 2022.

5 “Tests for Unsaturation - Chemistry Practicals Class 12.” BYJUS, 25 July 2022,
https://byjus.com/chemistry/tests-for-unsaturation/. Accessed 20 November 2022.
Topic Proposal 3 of 6

My experiment will be based on determining what types of fatty acids each food

contains in order to help me in choosing healthier alternatives for my diet. In gathering

the equipment for the experiment, I would need to reconsider using bromine solution

because it is a highly poisonous substance and a harmful irritant. Inhaling bromine gas

could cause me to have difficulty in breathing and also cause skin irritation. 6 Safety

goggles and latex gloves would be required for extra protection in order to prevent

accidents from happening.

EE PROPOSAL CONTENT CHECKLIST Y/N

(page no.)

Statement of the Research Question Y, 1

· Is the research question clearly stated in the proposal?

Background and Data

· What is your personal motivation to pursue this research Y, 1 & 2

undertaking?

· Are the arguments that led to the question being

investigated clearly explained?

· Are these arguments supported with data? Are sources

6 “CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4 Apr.
2018, https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/bromine/basics/facts.asp. Accessed 20 November 2022.
Topic Proposal 4 of 6

cited and referenced?

Methodology

· How are you going to gather and analyze your data? Y, 3

· What approaches or methods of research are you going

to use?

Significance of the Study

· Why is your research question worthy of investigation? Y, 2 & 3

Limitations of the Study

· What is the scope? Y, 4

· What will be the possible limitations of your methodology

and sources?

Works Cited

· Do you have a Works Cited page (bibliography)? Y, 6 & 7

Be reminded!

Make sure the sources of your ideas, supporting data, and facts

are acknowledged/cited in the proposal. See samples of proposals

for reference.

Word Count (minimum of 350)

· How many words did you use for: Background and Data
Topic Proposal 5 of 6

+ Methodology + Significance of the Study + Limitations 518

of the Study

Works Cited

“What Are Lipids? - Definition, Structure & Classification of Lipids.” BYJUS, 5 July 2022,

https://byjus.com/biology/lipids/#classification-of-lipids. Accessed 20 November 2022.

This website gives a brief explanation of what lipids are and also their different types. It helped

me in writing my background data.

Allott, Andrew, and David Mindorff. Oxford IB Diploma Programme Biology Course Companion.
Oxford University Press, 2014.

This book explains the different types of lipids for my background data. The information is also
easy to understand.

“Fatty Acid.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/science/fatty-

acid. Accessed 20 November 2022.

This website clearly explains fatty acids in detail.

“Tests for Unsaturation - Chemistry Practicals Class 12.” BYJUS, 25 July 2022,
https://byjus.com/chemistry/tests-for-unsaturation/. Accessed 20 November 2022.

This website helped me to design my experiment. It also showed me how to prepare the
equipments and conduct the experiment.

“Fat: the Facts.” NHS Choices, NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/different-

fats-nutrition/#:~:text=Eating%20too%20much%20saturated%20fats,of%20heart%20disease
%20and%20stroke. Accessed 20 November 2022.

This website helped me to pick out suitable food to be used as samples for the experiment.
Topic Proposal 6 of 6

“CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 4 Apr. 2018, https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/bromine/basics/facts.asp. Accessed
20 November 2022.

This websites states the hazards and dangers of bromine. By knowing this information, it could
save me and other people from laboratory accidents.