1.4.2

Investigating Proteins

Test yourself

The Biuret Test

The biuret test is used to test for the presence of a protein in a sample.

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1) Add sample

  • Add sample to distilled water and biuret solution (grind in water if the sample is solid).
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2) Shake solution

  • Shake then leave upright for 5 minutes and observe the colour.
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3) Analyse results

  • The Biuret test changes colour from blue to violet when proteins are present.
    • The result will only be positive if the amino acids are joined together by peptide bonds, as they are in proteins.
    • The result will NOT be positive if the solution contains only free amino acids.

Jump to other topics

1Biological Molecules

2Cells

3Substance Exchange

4Genetic Information & Variation

5Energy Transfers (A2 only)

6Responding to Change (A2 only)

7Genetics & Ecosystems (A2 only)

8The Control of Gene Expression (A2 only)

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