BiologyCode 9700
Testing for biological molecules
What this topic asks you to be able to do
- describe and carry out each of these tests: Benedict’s test, which detects reducing sugars; the iodine test, which detects starch; the emulsion test, which detects lipids; the biuret test, which detects proteins
- describe and carry out a semi-quantitative version of Benedict’s test on a solution of a reducing sugar, standardising the method and then using the results (the time taken for the first colour change, or a match against colour standards) to estimate how concentrated the solution is
- describe and carry out a test, using acid hydrolysis and then Benedict’s solution, that shows whether non-reducing sugars are present