Lesson 5: Food Tests (Proteins)

Proteins

  1. Label the test tubes with the food materials that you plan to test for protein.
  2. Add the sample of food to each tube, then add 2cmof distilled water. Put the clean bung in and shake carefully at least 10 times.
  3. Add 10 drops of biuret reagent to the test solution without the pipette touching the inside of the test tube.
  4. Observe the test solution for a purple/violet or blue colour. Record your observations and deductions from the biuret test in a table.

If a protein is present there will be a colour change from blue to violet or purple.

The colour change is due to two or more peptide bonds in a compound.