Natalie Kilgore
BSC 110/L H022
11 February 2019
Abstract: In this experiment we tested different unknown samples to see what macromolecules
they were made up of. By testing the samples we were able to determine if they were made up of
more than on macromolecule. In this experiment we were able to infer that two of these samples
were made up of two macromolecules. This conclusion was based on the results from the test we
conducted. During this experiment we were also able to determine if any of the samples were
made up of an acid or a base.
Introduction: The chemical components of life are made up of may things. Carbon-based
polymers, macromolecules are an important part of these components of life. They are four types
of macromolecules: carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, though they are not true
macromolecules. Carbohydrates serve as cell maintenance units, structural support, and even
storage vessels. Sucrose, starch, cellulose, and glycogen are some of the most well known
carbohydrates due to the fact that they are sugars. Known for their muscle building and help with
keeping the bodies biological time on track. Proteins are found in meat, egg whites, and even
some vegetables. Even though not considered a true macromolecules lipids are an important part
of the components of life. Lipids not only make up fats but they also have to do with important
hormones. These hormones help cellular structure and development as well as sexual
reproduction. Lipids are made up of saturated fats which are animal based and unsaturated fats
which are plant based. The final macromolecule is acid and bases. Acid and bases are measured
on a pH scale 0-6 being acidic, 7 being neutral, and 8-14 being basic. The pH scale is measuring
the hydrogen ions present in what is being tested on the scale.
Materials/Methods: The materials used in this experiment were four different unknowns: A,B,C,
and D. These unknowns were tested using Benedict’s solution (used for determining if there is
carbohydrates present), Lugol’s solution(used to determine if there are complex sugars), Biuret
reagent(used to determine if there are proteins present), SudanIV (used for determining if lipids
are present), and blue(used to determine a based) and red (used to determine acid) litmus paper.
The methods for testing the unknowns were different based on which test was taking place. For
the benedict’s solution test samples of the unknowns were separately placed in test tube and
drops of benedict’s solution was added. The test tube was then placed in a hot water bath to
determine if the unknown tested positive for carbohydrates (simple sugars). For the Lugol’s
solution test samples of the unknowns were separately placed in test tubes and Lugol’s solution
was added. The test tube was then lightly swished to determine if there was color change of the
unknown, resulting in a positive result for complex sugars. The same steps were taken for the
biuret reagent as the Lugol’s solution. For Sudan IV samples of each of the unknowns were
dropped on separate pieces of papers. Sudan IV was then dropped on to the samples and given a
chance to dry. Water was then dropped on the unknown samples with the Sudan IV to see if dye
was washed away giving a positive result of lipids. The final test was to test the pH in each of the
unknowns, a sample of each unknown was dropped on to a peace of blue and red litmus paper to
test if the unknow was a base, acid, or neither.
Results: Unknown A turned orange in color when tested with the benedict’s solution which is a
positive result for the presence of simple sugars. Unknown A also tested positive for a base on
the pH test. With the results one can infer that Unknown A is a simple sugar and base mix.
Unknown A when tested with the Lugol’s solution, Biuret reagent , and Sudan IV the results
were all negative.
Unknown B turned yellow in color when tested with the benedict’s solution which is a positive
result for the presence of simple sugars. Unknow B also turned a dark purple when tested with
Biuret reagent which is a positive result for proteins. Unknown B produced negative results for
the Lugol’s solution, Biuret reagent, and Sudan IV. Unknown B’s pH test resulted in the sample
being neither a base or an acid. For unknown B one can infer that it is a simple sugar and a
protein mix.
Unknown C when tested with Sudan IV, dye from Sudan IV washed away which is a positive
result for the presence of lipids. Unknown C did not show a positive result for any other test.
From these results it is inferred that Unknown C has the presences of lipids.
Unknown D turned black in color when exposed to Lugol’s solution which is a positive result.
When a pH test was preformed on Unknown D the results were shown to be positive for an acid.
All other test preformed on Unknown D resulted in negative results.
Discussion
Literature Cited: