Bosco (4) Ivan (5) Cullen (6)
Food Tests with Unknown Samples D, E, F
A. AIM
• To investigate which food molecules, glucose, reducing sugar, starch, protein, lipid, or vitamin C, each of
the food samples, D, E, F, contain.
B. INTRODUCTION
• In this experiment, we will find out the food molecules which can be found in samples D, E, F via carrying
out the following food tests. The food tests include the use of Diastix paper, Albustix paper, DCPIP solution,
Benedict’s test, the iodine test, biuret test and ethanol emulsion test.
• Both the positive and negative results of each food test are as follows in the table.
Tests Diastix paper Benedict’s test Iodine test
Test for (x) Glucose Reducing sugar Starch
BROWN →
positive result: BLUE →GREEN forms ORANGE or BRICK-RED precipitate
BLUE-BLACK
negative result: remains BLUE remains BLUE remains BROWN
Tests Albustix paper Biuret test Ethanol emulsion
DCPIP solution
Test for (x) Protein Protein Lipid Vitamin C
YELLOW → forms MILKY-WHITE BLUE →PINK →
positive result: BLUE →PURPLE
BLUE-GREEN emulsion COLOURLESS
negative result: remains YELLOW remains BLUE remains COLOURLESS remains BLUE
• For the use of Diastix paper, the change in colour is mainly catalyzed by the two enzymes, glucose oxidase
and hydrogen peroxidase.
• The balanced chemical equation for Benedict’s test is 2𝐶𝑢2+ + 2𝑂𝐻 − ⇌ 𝐶𝑢2 O + 𝐻2 O in which the 𝐶𝑢2 O
is a solid.
• Biuret test is a general test for the presence of peptide bonds which can be found in all proteins.
• The procedure of ethanol emulsion test is for the sample to be soaked in ethanol, allowing lipids to
dissolve since lipids are soluble in alcohols. The alcohol with dissolved fat is then decanted into water.
Since lipids do not dissolve in water while ethanol does, when the ethanol is diluted by the water, it falls
out of the solution to give a cloudy white emulsion.
C. MATERIALS REQUIRED
APPARATUS/ MATERIALS: AMOUNT: APPARATUS/ MATERIALS: AMOUNT:
Diastix paper strips 6 spot tile 1
Albustix paper strips 6 test tube 6
Benedict's solution 10mL boiling tube 3
iodine solution 10mL test tube rack 1
copper(II) sulphate solution (CuSO4) 5mL test tube holder 1
potassium hydroxide solution (KOH) 5mL beaker 1
ethanol 5mL electric heater 1
distilled water 10mL dropper 8
DCPIP solution 5mL reagent container 5
samples D, E, F each 30mL measuring cylinder 2
thermometer 1
D. PROCEDURE:
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Bosco (4) Ivan (5) Cullen (6)
1. Tests for GLUCOSE (carbohydrates)
Test Procedure
Use of Diastix paper 1. Add a drop of each sample D, E, F on a spot tile.
2. Dip the tested end of the paper in one sample and then remove.
3. Repeat the above procedures with a new test strip to each two other samples.
2. Test for REDUCING SUGAR (carbohydrates)
Test Procedure
Benedict’s test 1. Add 2 cm3 of benedict's solution to 2 cm3
of sample in a test tube.
2. Heat in a water bath (60-70 °C) for 5 mins.
3. Repeat the above procedures with different samples.
3. Test for STARCH (carbohydrates)
Test Procedure
The iodine test 1. Add a drop of sample on a spot tile.
2. Add a few drops of iodine solution to it and wait for one minute.
3. Repeat the above procedures with different samples.
4. Tests for PROTEIN
Test Procedure
Use of Albustix paper 1. Add a drop of each sample D, E, F on a spot tile.
2. Dip the tested end of the paper in one sample and then remove.
3. Repeat the above procedures with a new test strip to each two other samples.
Biuret test 1. Add 1.6 cm3 of CuSO4 and 0.4 cm3 of KOH into a test tube. This forms 2 cm3 of
biuret reagent.
2. Add 2 cm3 of sample to the reagent.
3. Shake and stand for 5 mins.
4. Repeat the above procedures with different samples.
5. Test for LIPID
Test Procedure
Ethanol emulsion test 1. Mix 1 cm3 of sample and 2 cm3 of ethanol in a test tube.
2. Cover the end of the tube and shake the tube vigorously.
3. Allow the contents to settle.
4. Mix 2 cm3 of distilled water in the test tube and shake it vigorously.
5. Repeat the above procedures with different samples.
5. Test for VITAMIN C
Test Procedure
Use of DCPIP solution 1. Add 1 cm3 of DCPIP solution into a test tube
2. Add sample drop by drop into the solution.
3. Repeat the above procedures with different samples and different tube of DCPIP
solution.
E. Result:
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Bosco (4) Ivan (5) Cullen (6)
• Sample D:
Tests Diastix paper Benedict’s test Iodine test
Positive
Green Orange/ brick-red precipitate Blue-black
results:
Final GREEN BRICK-RED precipitate is formed BROWN
result:
(photo)
(+)/ (-)
result:
(+) (+) (-)
Tests Albustix paper Biuret test Ethanol emulsion DCPIP solution
Positive Milky-white
Blue-green Purple Colourless
results: emulsion
YELLOW BLUE COLOURLESS BLUE
Final
result
(+)/ (-)
result:
(-) (-) (-) (-)
• Sample E:
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Bosco (4) Ivan (5) Cullen (6)
Tests Diastix paper Benedict’s test Iodine test
Positive
Green Orange/ brick-red precipitate Blue-black
results:
Final BLUE/ GREEN BROWN
BLUE
result:
(photo)
(+)/ (-)
result:
(-) (-) (-)
Tests Albustix paper Biuret test Ethanol emulsion DCPIP solution
Positive
Blue-green Purple Ethanol emulsion Colourless
results:
Final GREEN PURPLE COLOURLESS BLUE
result:
(Photo)
(+)/ (-)
result:
(+) (+) (-) (-)
• Sample F:
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Bosco (4) Ivan (5) Cullen (6)
Tests Diastix paper Benedict’s test Iodine test
Positive
Green Orange/ brick-red precipitate Blue-black
results:
Final result GREEN BRICK-RED precipitate is formed BROWN
(Photo):
(+)/ (-)
result:
(+) (+) (-)
Tests Albustix paper Biuret test Ethanol emulsion DCPIP solution
Positive
Blue-green Purple Milky-white emulsion Colourless
results:
Final YELLOW BLUE MILKY-WHITE PINK
result: EMULSION
(Photo)
(+)/ (-)
result:
(-) (-) (+) (-)
F. Discussion:
• We three can clearly acknowledge that a good division of labour is crucial especially in dealing with
complicated experiments. The aftermath of a poor work distribution is the unprecise data collected.
However, we could manage to distinguish each of the results of each test after spending a long period of
time.
• Adding to our inexperience, the following list of deeds may also lead to the uncertainties aroused during the
seven tests. Firstly, not enough time may have been spent to observe the change in colour in all tests. The
colour change may not have taken place. Moreover, the ratio of the volume of the sample to the reagent
solution in Benedict’s test may be incorrect. That of the volume to the distilled water in the ethanol emulsion
test may also be wrong. This may result in wrong interpretation of the colour change. Apart from that, not
enough sample may be added to the DCPIP solution. This may contribute to no colour change. Hence,
correct ratio of the volume of CuSO4 to that of KOH (4:1) should be followed in order to form the biuret
reagent.
• Furthermore, some low-level mistakes, such as not having the test tubes washed thoroughly, may also affect
the results of each sample. In our future experiments, we hope to minimize the mistakes we make and
diminish as much source of errors as possible since accuracy is essential in carrying out any experiments.
G. Conclusion
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Bosco (4) Ivan (5) Cullen (6)
• According to the results of the tests shown above, sample D only show positive results in both Benedict’s
test and the test with diastix paper but negative results in the other 5 tests. Thus, glucose and reducing sugar
molecules are proved to be found in sample D.
• Sample E demonstrates positive results in biuret test, ethanol emulsion test and the test using albustix paper
but all negative results in the other 5 tests. Therefore, it is proven that protein molecules can be found in
sample E.
• Sample F reveals that there is the presence of glucose, reducing sugar and lipid molecules as the test with
diastix paper, Benedict’s test and ethanol emulsion test are positively tested.
H. Precaution:
• Have a good division of labour before carrying out any tests.
• Fully immerse the tested end of the test strips into the solution to observe an obvious result.
• Prevent direct heating of the sample tested by Benedict’s test as high temperature may kill the molecules.
• Heat the solution in a water bath of 60-70°C for at least 5 minutes to observe an obvious result.
• Mix the correct volume of biuret solution constituents according to the corresponding ratio.
• Handle KOH with great care as it is alkaline.
• Handle iodine solution with great care as it is irritable
• Do not mix up the colour change examined by the various tests.
• Wash the used test tubes and boiling tubes throroughly.
I. Reference:
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emulsion_test
• Biology Notes Ch6
• Food Test Lab Quiz
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