Experiment 2: Process in Biochemical Systems

DIALYSIS

1. Test for peptide bonds

  • Biuret reagent (2mL of 10% NaOH + 5 drops of 0.5% copper sulfate) + dialysis +cellophane

  • negative result

  • Broth did not exit cellophane (membrane) because it allows passage of Inorganic molecules (peptide bonds are organic)

  • another reason could be that proteins are macromolecules, they can’t pass through the semipermeable membrane

2. Test for amino acids

  • Organic

  • 1mL of 0.2% ninhydrin + 3mL dialysate + heated

  • negative result

  • Broth did not exit cellophane (membrane) because it allows passage of Inorganic molecules (amino acids are organic)

  • if the ninhydrin reacts, blue to purple would be the results

DIFFUSION

  • Movement of molecules from a HIGH concentration to a LOW concentration

  • the higher the temperature, the more kinetic energy is produced

  • Particles move more vigorously, resulting in higher rated of diffusion

Sample 1 (not heated) 30 degrees celsius

  • with a cooler environment the reagent KMo4 took more time to spread in the water

Sample 2 (heated) 80 degrees celsius

  • with the help of temperature the reagent diffused much quicker compared to the cooler sample

HYDROLYSIS

  • compounds break down into smaller molecules upon reacting with water

    IODINE - detects presence of starch molecules

Saliva + Iodine (negative)

1% NaCO3 + Iodine

Pancreatin sol. + Iodine

Positive result: Yellow Brown or Blue-Black (presence of starch)

  • when macaroni is submerged in the substances, the digestive enzymes should breakdown/hydrolyze carbohydrates

LOWERING SURFACE TENSION

  • Molecules of water are attracted to one another and lowering surface tension means separating H2O molecules

Margarine + 0.5% Na2CO3 (Sodium bicarbonate)

slightly washed away

  • sodium bicarbonate is not a surfactant, which makes it increase surface tension

    • Also an inorganic substance increases ST

Positive results:

Margarine + Soap

completely washed away

  • soap is a surfactant so it lowers surface tension because of its hydrophobic head and hydrophilic tail

  • emulsion: forms a homogeneous layer