Lab 5 Introduction to Biology

Experiment 1: Testing for Proteins

Sample | Initial Color | Final Color | Is Protein Present? |

1. Albumin Solution | Yellow, foggy | Purple | Yes |

2. Gelatin Solution | Yellow, Clear | Purple | Yes |

3. Glucose | Crystal Clear | Light Blue | No |

4. Water | Crystal Clear | Light Blue | No |

5. Unknown | Milky White | Milky White | No |

Data Tables and Post-Lab Assessment

Table 1: Testing for Proteins Results

Post-Lab Questions

1. Record your hypothesis about what will happen when Biuret solution is mixed with the solutions from test tubes 1, 2, 3, and 4 here. Be sure to use scientific reasoning to support your hypothesis.

Test Tube 1: The Blue color of the biuret reagent, mixing with the yellow color in test tube one will create a green color

Test Tube 2: The Blue color of the biuret reagent, mixing with the yellow color in test tube two will create a green color

Test Tube 3: The Blue color of the biuret reagent, mixing with the crystal clear color in test tube three will create a blue color

Test Tube 4: The Blue color of the biuret reagent, mixing with the crystal clear color in test tube four will create a blue color

Test Tube 5: The Blue color of the biuret reagent, mixing with the milky white color in test tube five will create a much lighter blue color

2. Write a statement to explain the molecular composition of the unknown solution based on the results obtained during testing with the Biuret solution and each sample solution.

Based on test tubes 1 and 2, you can assume there is a protein in there because the samples turned purple. The unknown solution’s molecular composition does not contain a protein, because the sample did not turn purple.

3. Diet and nutrition are closely linked to the study of biomolecules. How should you monitor your food intake to insure the cells in your body have the materials necessary to function?

You must ensure you are taking in enough protein to fuel the rest of your body. Proteins are...