1. Macromolecules Analysis Lab
Chemistry of Life
Macromolecules Analysis Lab

2. Starter
Name the six elements all living things are made of.
Name the monomers of the 4 macromolecules.
What is the property of water that is responsible for capillary action?

3. Carbohydrates
Sugar Test 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 red, depending on the amount of sugar.

4. Carbohydrates Procedure
Mix small amount of each food sample with distilled water to make a test liquid.
To a test tube, add 40 drops of liquid to be tested.
If testing more than one liquid, label each test tube with a marker.
Add 10 drops of Benedict's solution to each test tube. Carefully heat the test tubes by suspending in a hot water bath at about degrees Celsius for five minutes.
Note any color change. If sugar is present solution will turn green, yellow, or brick-red, depending on sugar concentration.

5. Carbohydrates
Starch Test IKI Solution is used to test for starch. IKI is a yellow solution that reacts with starch to produce a dark purple or black color.

6. Carbohydrates Procedure
Place a small amount of the food in a beaker and add several drops of IKI solution on the food.
Look for a dark color to appear. If it does, the food has starch.

7. Lipids
Brown Paper Test is used to test for lipids. Certain kinds of paper such as a piece of brown paper bag can readily absorb lipids and can be used to test for the presence of lipids.

8. Lipids Procedure Draw a circle on a brown paper bag.
Test item by placing a drop of the sample on the brown bag or use another small piece of bag to crush a solid or chunky sample into the circle to release its liquid content.
Allow the paper to dray for 15 minutes
Turn the paper to the opposite side to review your results.
You will see a stain (oil) for a positive result.

9. Proteins
Biuret Solution is used to identify the presence of proteins. Biuret reagent is a blue solution that, when it reacts with protein, will change color to pink-purple

10. Proteins
Procedure
Mix small amount of each food sample with distilled water to make a test liquid.
To a test tube, add 40 drops of liquid to be tested.
If testing more than one liquid, label each test tube with a marker.
Add 3 drops of Biuret reagent solution to each test tube. Shake gently to mix.
Note any color change. Proteins will turn the solution pink or purple

11. Indicator Macromolecule Negative Test Positive Test
Benedict’s Solution
Simple
Carbohydrate
Blue
Orange
IKI Solution
Complex Carbohydrate
Dark Red
Black
Biuret Solution
Protein
Violet/black
Paper Bag
Lipid
No Circle
Oil Circle