Lab: Testing for Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Lipids
In this lab: you will be testing 4 items (Ritz crackers, egg whites,
banana, and water as your control) to see if they contain
carbohydrates, proteins and/or lipids. At the end of the experiment,
you will write up a discussion section reviewing your results and your
hypotheses.
Directions:
1. Identify your hypotheses for each item and fill them in on the
charts on your lab worksheet before beginning.
2. Pick a station to start at. Once you have collected your data, you
will move to the next station. There are 4 stations in all. You
MUST clean up before you move to the next station. There is
more than one location for each station.
3. When you have finished the lab, answer the conclusion
questions and then hand in the lab and start your homework if
there is time.
Macromolecule Food Testing Lab
Name: _____________________ Period: ______
Lab Partner(s):______________________________
Station 1: Iodine Test for Starches
Part 1:
Iodine solution is used to test for the presence of complex carbohydrates. Iodine
is a yellowish liquid that turns dark purple or black when it reacts with complex
carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are very large energy rich organic
molecules that contain carbon hydrogen and oxygen. Many sugar molecules
chained together would form a complex carbohydrate. Be careful, Iodine will
stain skin and clothing.
Directions:
1. Add a small amount of the food samples to the well plate. Label them.
2. Add a small amount of water to each well.
3. Add 3 drops of Iodine to each test tube.
4. Note any color change. If starch is present, the liquid will turn dark purple
or black. If no starch is present, then the liquid will stay yellow/orange.
5. Station 1 and 2:
Item Your expectations: Will Iodine Test Results Benedict’s Test
Tested it contain starches? & Does it contain Results & Does it
Sugars? starches? contain sugars?
Starch: Result: Result:
Water
Sugar: Starch: Sugar:
Starch: Result: Result:
Egg
Sugar: Starch: Sugar:
Starch: Result: Result:
Ritz
Cracker
Sugar: Starch: Sugar:
Banana Starch: Result: Result:
Sugar: Starch: Sugar:
Station 2: Benedict ’s test for Sugar
Benedict's solution is used to test for simple sugars, such as glucose It is a clear
blue solution of sodium and copper salts. In the presence of simple sugars, the
blue solution changes color to green, yellow, and brick-red, depending on the
amount of sugar. The molecular formula for glucose is (C H O ). Sugar contains
6 12 6
the elements carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
Directions:
1. Add a small amount of each food sample to a test tube (you should have 4
test tubes in total). Label them.
2. Add a small amount of water to each test tube.
3. Add 10 drops of Benedict's solution to each test tube.
4. Carefully heat the test tubes by suspending in a hot water bath at for
three minutes.
5. Note any color change. If sugar is present solution will turn green, yellow,
or brick-red, depending on sugar concentration.
Question 1: If a food contains starches, does it automatically contain sugars?
Explain your answer.
Station 3: Grease Spot Test for Lipids
Part A: Grease Spot Test:
The grease spot test tests for the presence of fats (lipids) which are solid at
room temperature. Lipids can be tested with a brown paper. If it evaporates
after being dropped on the paper, lipids are not present. If transparent spots
appear on the paper, lipids are present.
Directions:
1. Take a piece of brown paper bag and divide it into 4 quarters and label
each spot with the food you are using.
2. Then use a cotton swab to put samples into the squares. Wipe off excess
oil/fat and let sit for few minutes to dry.
3. Once dry, the fats will leave a translucent spot behind. This can best be
seen when you hold the paper up to a light source (like a window).
Station 3:
Item Your expectations: Will it contain Grease Spot Test Results & Does it contain
Tested lipids? lipids?
Lipids: Result:
Water
Lipids:
Lipids: Result:
Egg
Lipids:
Lipids: Result:
Ritz
Cracker
Lipids:
Banana Lipids: Result:
Lipids:
Question 2: Did your results meet your expectations in the lipid tests? Explain
your answer.
Station 4: Biuret Solution Test for Proteins
Biuret solution is used to identify the presence of protein. Biuret reagent is a
blue solution that, when it reacts with protein, will change color to pink-purple.
Proteins are large organic molecules that contain the elements carbon,
hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur. Like sugar, proteins also
contain carbon. Carbon is sometimes referred to as the element of life because
it is found in organic compounds. Be careful, biuret solution can stain your skin
and fingernails.
Directions:
1. To a test tube, add 20 drops of liquid to be tested.
2. If testing more than one liquid, label each test tube with a marker.
3. Add 3 drops of Biuret solution to each test tube. Shake gently to mix.
4. Note any color change. Proteins will turn solution pink or purple.
Station 4:
Item Your Expectations: Will it contain any Biuret Test Results & Does it contain
Tested proteins? proteins?
Proteins: Results:
Water
Proteins:
Proteins: Results:
Egg
Proteins:
Proteins: Results:
Ritz
Cracker
Proteins:
Banana Proteins: Results:
Proteins:
Question 3: In the protein tests, did your results meet your expectations?
Explain your answer.
Final Question: Looking at the results from all your tests, name 2 things you
learned in this lab. Be specific and explain your answer.