Biology Lab #2

Date:

Title: Food Test (Benedict’s Test)

Aim: To determine the glucose concentration in an unknown solution.

Apparatus and Materials: Breakers (1 50 ml and 1 300 ml), 4 test tubes, test tube rack,
tongs, measuring cylinder, hot plate, glucose solution, unknown solution, syringe, Benedict’s
solution, distilled water, masking tape and marker.

Theory:
The purpose of this experiment is to use Benedict's solution to determine the glucose
concentration in an unknown solution. Throughout this study, an interval of 4.0 was
continually reduced until it reached 0.5. Each interval, including the unknown solution, was
examined, and the results varied. As each solution was diluted, each test tube began to
change colour from the bottom, which is where the most colour change appears. Because of
its blue-green colour, the 0.5% contained the least amount of glucose. As the intervals
climbed, it got increasingly saturated with glucose, which was most visible at 4.0%, which
had a red tint. When the unknown solution was analysed, it turned a brick red hue, indicating
that it contained more than 4.0% glucose.
All of these responses are produced not just by the content of glucose, but also by the
chemical processes that are going place. Benedict's reagent is composed of sodium carbonate,
sodium citrate, and pentahydrate copper(II) sulphate. Benedict's test, in general, identifies the
presence of aldehydes, alpha-hydroxy-ketones, and hemiacetals, including those seen in some
ketoses. When discovered, the oxidation of the reducing sugar by the reagent's cupric (Cu2+)
complex yields cuprous (Cu+), which precipitates as insoluble red copper(I) oxide (Cu2O).
This is represented as a formal:

Methods:
1. All apparatuses and materials were cleaned before attempting this experiment.
2. Four test tubes including the unknown solution were placed into the test tube rack and
marked with each interval.
3. While using calculations (stated below), the measuring cylinder and syringe were
used to measure the solutions into a small breaker beginning with the 4.0%.
4. As the 4.0% was used, it was bisected into half, continuously, until a 0.5% solution
was made and a few drops of Benedict’ s solution was added.
5. When finished, all the solutions were placed into the hot bath using tongs, so the
presence of colour change would appear for observation.
6. After some time, the colour change was finally completed and placed back into the
test tube rack to be cooled.
7. Lastly, the used materials were discarded and apparatuses were cleaned and dried.
 Biology Lab #2
Calculations:
Table showing the dilation calculation of each interval
(Blank page)

Intervals of Each Solution Calculations

4.0% C1V1=C2V2
(4)(x)=(2)(4)
4x=8
x= 2cm^3 of glucose solution + 2 cm^3 H2o

2.0% C1V1=C2V2
(2)(x)=(1)(4)
2x=4
x= 2cm^3 of 4% solution + 2 cm^3 H2o

1.0% C1V1=C2V2
(1)(x)=(0.5)(4)
x=2
x= 2cm^3 of 2% solution + 2 cm^3 H2o

0.5% C1V1=C2V2
(0.5)(x)=(1)(4)
0.5x=4
x= 2cm^3 of 1% solution + 2 cm^3 H2o

Results: (Blank page)

Table showing the observations obtained of each interval.

Intervals of Each Solution Colour Change Present

0.5 blue-green

1.0 orange-yellow

2.0 orange

4.0 red

Unknown Solution brick red

Discussion:
The main goal of this experiment is to find the unknown solution by doing
calculations and spotting the results of numerous other attempted solutions. As each solution
was added to the hot bath, time passed and the colour change became increasingly visible
from the bottom to the top. Because 0.5 had the least degree of colour shift as a blue-green, it
had the least quantity of glucose. 1.0% solution began to become orange-yellow, indicating
that it contained more glucose, but not at a high level. The 2.0% solution was more orange
than the previous one because it had more glucose, but the 4.0% solution contained the most
glucose in a known solution that appeared red.
All of these responses are produced not just by the content of glucose, but also by the
chemical processes that are going place. Benedict's reagent comprises of sodium carbonate,
sodium citrate, and pentahydrate copper(II) sulphate. Benedict's test, in general, identifies the
presence of aldehydes, alpha-hydroxy-ketones, and hemiacetals, including those seen in some
ketoses. When discovered. The oxidation of the reducing sugar by the reagent's cupric
(Cu2+) complex yields cuprous (Cu+), which precipitates as insoluble red copper(I) oxide
(Cu2O).
 Biology Lab #2
When comparing the known to the unknown, the unknown had the largest proportion
of glucose concentration with a brick-red appearance. According to the tendency of this lab,
the more the glucose content of a substance increased, the more the colour grew tensioned
and darker, making it simpler to detect. The observations were then accessed as determined.

Sources of Errors:

1. Not using apparatuses such as a refractometer, spectrophotometer, colorimeter better

equipped for the assessment of colour to determine the correct concentration of a
substance.

2. Not using enough small intervals. When using small intervals, you can get a better
observation of the glucose concentration of each solution created, rather than one
continuous colour difference.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, when compared to the other solutions, the unknown solution had a
concentration of more than 4.0%, making it the highest concentration of glucose.