Name: ________________________________ Sec: _____________

Group No. _______________

Test for Nutrients in Food
Activity No. 17

PROCEDURE AND OBSERVATIONS:

Fill the table below indicating a positive or negative (+,-) result of the tests on the
following foods: (Use NA if not performed)
Food Starch Glucose Protein Fats Mineral Vitamin
Sample Matter A
Ripe + N/A - - N/A N/A
Banana
Carrots + N/A - - N/A +
Cooked - N/A + + N/A A
Egg White
Cooked - N/A + + N/A N/A
Egg yolk
Peanut - N/A + + N/A -
Butter
Potato + N/A - - N/A N/A
Cheese + N/A + + + N/A
Fruit Juice - + - - N/A N/A
Dilis - N/A + - N/A N/A
Uncooked + N/A + - N/A N/A
Peanuts
Cooked + N/A - - N/A N/A
Rice
Margarine - N/A - + N/A +

Discuss how the Biuret test results are achieved. What is the mechanism behind the
test?
The Biuret test is a chemical test used to detect the presence of peptide bonds, which are
characteristic of proteins. The test is based on the reaction of peptides with copper ions in an
alkaline solution, which results in the formation of a purple-colored complex called a biuret.

The mechanism behind the Biuret test involves several steps. First, peptides contain amino
groups (-NH2) and carboxyl groups (-COOH) in their structure. When an alkaline solution (pH 10-
11) is added to a peptide solution, the carboxyl groups are deprotonated (lose a proton) to form
carboxylate ions (-COO-).

Next, copper ions (Cu2+) are added to the solution. The copper ions bind to the amino groups of
the peptides to form a complex called a cupro-peptide. This complex is unstable and undergoes
further reactions to form the biuret complex.

The biuret complex consists of two cupro-peptide molecules linked by a urea molecule (-
CO(NH2)2). The formation of this complex results in the characteristic purple color that is
observed in the Biuret test.

The Biuret test is a reliable and sensitive method for detecting proteins due to its specificity for
peptide bonds. However, it should be noted that some non-protein compounds, such as urea and
thiourea, can also produce a positive Biuret test result due to their ability to form similar
complexes with copper ions. Therefore, caution should be exercised when interpreting Biuret test
results in complex samples.
Write the formula of Vitamin A and state its importance.
The chemical formula for Vitamin A (retinol) is C20H30. It is a type of organic compound
called a retinoid, which is derived from the parent compound retene. Vitamin A is a
crucial nutrient that supports a wide range of bodily functions, and deficiencies can lead
to various health problems such as night blindness, impaired immune function, and skin
disorders.