2.2.12

Required Practical - Testing for Food Chemicals

Test yourself

Testing for Carbohydrates, Lipids and Proteins

The objective of this experiment is to use qualitative reagents to identify the presence of food chemicals such as sugars, starch and proteins. The tests only tell if a substance is present, not how much.

Illustrative background for Test for sugars (Benedict’s test)Illustrative background for Test for sugars (Benedict’s test) ?? "content

Test for sugars (Benedict’s test)

  • Add Benedict’s solution to the food sample.
  • Heat gently in a water bath for a few minutes.
  • Observe the colour change.
    • A red-brown precipitate forms if reducing sugars (like glucose) are present.
  • Hazards:
    • Benedict’s solution is an irritant.
    • Wear safety goggles, avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Illustrative background for Test for starch (Iodine test)Illustrative background for Test for starch (Iodine test) ?? "content

Test for starch (Iodine test)

  • Add a few drops of iodine solution to the food sample.
    • For example, peel a potato and drop iodine onto it.
  • Observe the colour change.
    • If the food turns to a blue-black colour, there is starch present.
  • Hazards:
    • Iodine is an irritant.
    • Wear goggles, avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Illustrative background for Test for proteins (Biuret test)Illustrative background for Test for proteins (Biuret test) ?? "content

Test for proteins (Biuret test)

  • Add 1 cm3 of Biuret solution A to the food sample and mix.
  • Add 1 cm3 of Biuret solution B, shake or allow layers to form.
  • Observe the colour change.
    • A purple colour or a ring between layers means protein is present.
  • Hazards:
    • Biuret A is corrosive; Biuret B is an irritant.
    • Wear goggles and handle carefully.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

1.1What's in Cells?

1.2Cell Division

1.3Transport in Cells

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

5.1Homeostasis

5.2The Human Nervous System

5.3Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4Plant Hormones

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

6.1Reproduction

6.2Variation & Evolution

6.3Genetics & Evolution

6.4Classification

7Ecology

7.1Adaptations & Interdependence

7.2Organisation of Ecosystems

7.3Biodiversity

7.4Trophic Levels

7.5Food Production

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