Practical 1

Title: Food tests: Starch, Protein & Lipids

Aim: To identify the biomolecule(s) present in various food samples
Apparatus: 5 beakers (may be 100ml or 50 ml), 16 test tubes, 5 measuring cylinders/syringes (10
mL capacity), 1 drop pipette, iodine solution, biuret reagent, ethanol, water, 10 mL of each
sample labelled A, B, C & D
Method: You are provided with 4 solutions A, B, C, D and a negative control for each test (tests
for starch, proteins and lipids). Note the appearance of each solution. Perform the tests for starch,
protein and lipids (in that order) on all four solutions and identify which if any are present in
each sample tested.
Test for Starch
Transfer 2 cm3 of the sample to a test tube. Add a few drops of potassium iodide solution to the
sample. Observe and record observations.
Test for protein
Transfer 2 cm3 of the sample to a test tube. Add 3-5 drops of biuret reagent and swirl the test tube
gently. Observe against a white background and record observations.
Test for lipids
Transfer 2 cm3 of the sample to a test tube. Add 3ml of ethanol and shake for about 1 minute.
Pour this mixture into another test tube containing 3mL water. Observe and record observations.