BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES

PROTEINS AND FATS

PROTEINS
Elements: CARBON, HYDROGEN, OXYGEN AND
NITROGEN (Some contain Sulphur)
Monomers: Amino Acids
PROTEINS
PROPERTIES OF PROTEINS:
1) Some proteins are soluble i.e. Hemoglobin
2) Some proteins are insoluble i.e. Keratin
3) Proteins are required for structural repair:
cell membrane, mitochondria and
chromosomes.
4) Proteins are used to make antibodies
required for defense.
5) Proteins are required to build enzymes to
carry out chemical reactions.
PROTEINS:
Test for protein (Biuret Test):
1) Take the unknown food substance (if its solid, add a few
drops of water to make a suspension) and place in a
test tube
2) Add 5cm³ dilute sodium hydroxide (be careful with this
as it is caustic)
3) Add 5cm³ Copper Sulphate (Light blue in color) and
shake the test tube
4) If protein is present, the solution in the test tube will
undergo a color change.
CHANGE IN COLOR:
BLUE PURPLE
FATS
Elements: CARBON, HYDROGEN AND OXYGEN
Monomers: Glycerol and Fatty Acids

• One fat molecule is made when three fatty

acid molecules join together with one glycerol
molecule.
FATS
PROPERTIES OF FATS:
1) All fats are insoluble in water
FATS
PROPERTIES OF FATS:
2) Fats are used for energy storage
1g of fat = 39kJ of energy
This means you would need less space than
carbohydrates for storing the same amount
of energy
How many grams required to provide 78kJ of energy
FATS
An example of the storage property of fats is
the adipose tissue which is a layer of cells
found underneath the skin.
• The adipose tissue is used to provide energy
and insulation (heat)
FATS:
Test for fats :
1) Take the unknown food substance (if its solid, add
a few drops of water to make a suspension) and
place in a test tube
2) Add 5cm³ of ethanol in the test tube
3) Pour this mixture in another test tube containing a
few cm³ of water
4) If fats are present, the water in the test tube will
undergo a color change.
CHANGE IN COLOR:
COLORLESS MILKY WHITE
VITAMIN C
• Found in citrus fruits i.e. lemon and orange
• Helps in immunity and helps the body fight off
infections.
• Helps in the repair and regeneration of tissue.
VITAMIN C:
Test for Vitamin C (DCPIP Test):
1) Take the unknown food substance (if its solid,
add a few drops of water to make a
suspension) and place in a test tube
2) Add 2cm³ of DCPIP (Blue dye) in the test tube
3) If Vitamin C is present, the solution in the test
tube will undergo a color change.
CHANGE IN COLOR:
BLUE COLORLESS
GENERAL TEST FOR BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES VIDEO