Title: Cadaver Lab

Aim: To identify the killer of the subject (Cadaver #542694/555) and convict them of the subject’s
murder.

Apparatus: test tube, test tube rack, test tube clamps, Bunsen burner, (1) beaker, conical flask,
droppers, syringes, beaker of distilled water

Materials: (4) samples of fluids (A, B, C, D), Benedict’s Solution, Iodine Solution, Sodium Hydroxide
solution, Copper (II) Sulfate solution, absolute Ethanol

Method:

1. A sample of each solution was obtained as evidence from the four suspects.
2. Each sample was labelled: A, B, C and D respectively.
3. A Benedict’s test (2cm³ of a solution is to be added to a test tube, followed by the addition of
2cm³ of Benedict’s solution, and the mixture is gently shaken and then brought to a boil) was
conducted on sample A, to determine the presence of Glucose.
4. A few drops (2cm³) of Iodine solution were added to sample A, to determine the presence of
Starch.
5. A Biuret test (using 2cm³ of protein solution was put into a test tube and 2cm³ of 5% Sodium
Hydroxide solution was then added, upon which stirring was done and then two drops of
Copper (II) Sulfate were added to the mixture) was conducted on sample A, to determine the
presence of Protein.
6. A Fat test (2cm³ of Fat solution was put into a test tube. 2cm³ of absolute Ethanol was then
added to this, followed by vigorous shaking and the addition of 3cm³ of water) was conducted
on sample A, to determine the presence of Fat.
7. Steps 3 to 6 were then repeated for sample B.
8. Steps 3 to 6 were then repeated for sample C.
9. Steps 3 to 6 were then repeated for sample D.
10. Observations were recorded and tabulated.

Results:

Table showing the Test for Sugar (Glucose)

Sample of Solution Colour Change Inference

A Light blue to bright orange Reducing Sugar Present
B Light blue colour maintained Non-Reducing Sugar Present
C Light blue to brick red Reducing Sugar Present
D Light blue to green solution Reducing Sugar Present
Table showing the Test for Carbohydrates (Starch)

Sample of Solution Colour Change Inference

A Orange to blue-black precipitate Starch Present
B Orange solution maintained No Starch Present
C Orange solution maintained No Starch Present
D Orange to blue-black precipitate Starch Present

Table showing the Test for Protein

Sample of Solution Colour Change Inference

A Light blue colour maintained No Protein Present
B Light blue colour maintained No Protein Present
C Light blue colour maintained No Protein Present
D Light blue colour maintained No Protein Present

Table showing the Test for Fat

Sample of Solution Colour Change Inference

A Clear solution turned cloudy white Fat Present
B Clear solution maintained No Fat Present
C Clear solution maintained No Fat Present
D Clear solution turned cloudy white Fat Present

Discussion:

Food is an essential requirement, in order for living organisms to sustain themselves. Food provides
them with nourishment, in the following 4 categories: Sugars (Glucose), Carbohydrates (Starch), Proteins
and Fats. Each of these have their own unique, tailor-made specifications that the body of a living
organism uses to perpetuate life. All of the aforementioned food groupings or ‘groups’ are able to be
tested within everyday foods, be it solid or fluid in its consistency. The following tests are used to
determine each of them.

The test for Sugars (whether they may be Reducing or Non-Reducing) is known as the Benedict’s Test. In
this test, first, we take the food sample. It is dissolved in water and later benedict’s solution is added.
After ten to fifteen minutes, note the color of the solution. If it changes to blue, it means that no
reducing sugar is present (therefore making it a non-reducing sugar). If the color of the solution changes
to green orange or brick red confirms the presence of reducing sugars in the food sample. Sugars
(Glucose) is the main sugar found in your blood. It is your body's primary source of energy. It comes
from the food you eat. Your body breaks down most of that food into glucose and releases it into your
bloodstream. When your blood glucose goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin.

The test for Carbohydrates (Starch) consists of adding iodine solution to a sample of food solution. If the
iodine solution changes from brown to a blue/black colour, then the solution sample has starch in it.
Carbohydrates (starch) are a primary source of energy: They help fuel your brain, kidneys, heart,
muscles, and central nervous system. For instance, fiber is a carbohydrate that aids in digestion, helps
you feel full, and keeps blood cholesterol levels in check.

The Protein test, otherwise known as the Biuret Test is a chemical test used to gauge the amount of
protein present in the sample of solution. It works by checking for the presence of peptide bonds in a
given solution. Proteins are made up of ‘building blocks’ called amino acids. Your body uses them to
make new proteins, such as muscle and bone, and other compounds such as enzymes and hormones. It
can also use them as an energy source.

The test for Fats works by filtering or diluting the sample solution and ethanol mix, so that you get a
clear liquid (a solution of fat in ethanol). Add this to a test tube of water. A white (milk-like) emulsion
indicates the presence of fats or oils. Fats are known to be the nutrients in food that the body uses to
build cell membranes, nerve tissue (including the brain), and hormones. The body also uses fat as fuel. If
fats eaten aren't burned as energy or used as building blocks, they're stored by the body in fat cells.

From the experiment’s recorded and tabulated results, it was found that sample solutions A, B and D did
not contain glucose. Given that the victim (Cadaver 542694/555) died of Hyperglycemia, due to forced
consumption of a concentrated glucose solution, it was therefore deduced (by method of elimination),
that the sample of “HighPro” liquid protein drink, belonging to the sample of solution from subject C
(Miss E. Brunton), and found hidden to the back of her closet, was thus determined to be the cause of
the victim’s death. The victim, upon undergoing hyperglycemia and being a diabetic, was denied insulin,
and thus went into a comatose state and subsequently died.

Precautions:

1. Care must be taken when taking measurements and read-outs of values within the experiment.
2. Ensure that all air is properly squeezed out of the syringe before applying its contents into the
desired test tube.
3. Utilize the appropriate lab equipment (test tube holder and test tube rack) when conducting the
experiment.
4. Utilize pure substances and materials (distilled water and absolute Ethanol).

Conclusion: It was determined that the killer of the subject (Cadaver #542694/555) was Miss E. Brunton,
and must be convicted of the subject’s murder. The other three remaining subjects ought to be freed
immediately.