LAB SESSION NUMBER 4

TITLE: Nutrients in Foods

Background Reading -Biology by N. Campbell and J. Reece. 6th Edition, chapter
7.

Table Showing Tests For the Identification of Biochemicals

Test Procedure
Iodine/Potassium Iodide test Add two drops I2/KI on a food sample and observe.

Benedict’s test Add 2 cm3 of solution to a test tube and add equal volume of
Benedict’s solution. Shake and bring to a gentle boil.
Benedict’s NRS test Add 2 cm3 of solution to a test tube. Add 1 cm3 dilute
hydrochloric acid. Boil for one minute. Carefully neutralize
with a base (see lab #3). Carry out Benedicts test.
Emulsion test Add 2 cm3 of solution to a test tube containing 2 cm3 of absolute
ethanol. Shake vigorously and then add equal volume of cold
water.
Grease spot test Rub a sample of a solid food or liquid food on brown paper.
Hold the paper to the light and observe.
Biuret test Add 2 cm3 of protein solution to a test tube. Add an equal
volume of 5 % potassium hydroxide solution and mix. Add 2
drops of 1% copper sulphate solution and mix.

Construct a table to show results.

Table Showing…..
Food Name of Expected Observation (any 3 food samples)
Nutrient Test Positive
Result Milk Bread Meat
Simple Sugar This must include step by step observation of what is
NR Sugar seen.
Starch
Fat
Protein

Procedure #2

Test for Sugars

Using the appropriate test identify solutions A, B, and C as either R.S. or N.R.S. Give detailed
observations for your identification results by writing the sequence of ‘thinking’ steps used to
identify solutions A, B, and C. Analyse your results and state your conclusions.
Test for protein
Using the appropriate test quantitatively, determine which sample (X or Y) has more protein.

Problem 1: Mr. Charles comes form overseas and claims that he has a miracle energy drink
called Q. You are given substance Q. It is a clear liquid and it does not test
positive for any carbohydrates, fats or proteins. What do you think ?
Problem 2: Donna wants to lose weight and she asks, “Which has more calories vegetable oil
or honey?
What could you do to find this out and what would be the correct answer?
Explain.

Questions to Consider
1. Why do you think milk has long been the almost perfect food?
2. Give the name of another test not mentioned that could be used to test for lipids.
3a. What is the test for ascorbic acid called?
3b. What is another name for ascorbic acid?
3b. What is the procedure (3a)?
3c. How could you determine the concentration of ascorbic acid in an unknown sample of
Homestyle box drink? Explain and also give the formula.
1. How could you use this data gathered in the lab and what you have gathered from this
exercise to
help you plan a balanced meal?
(Answer these questions thoroughly)

NOTE: Your discussion must explain your observations and include the basis of the test applied
and any
necessary inferences (i.e. Cu 2+ +e- Cu3+ is oxidation, blue Cu 2+ crystals to red copper
oxide
etc.)