Identifying Macromolecules
in Unknowns Lab
This is a followup to the biologically important molecules lab. Students should already be familiar with each of the main biochemical tests (Benedict's, iodine, Biuret, Sudan IV, and dische diphenylamine). The class will be given a set of unknowns (usually food products such as whole milk and lemonade) and asked to identify the biochemical makeup of each.
Essential concepts: Macromolecules, organic molecules, monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides, amino acids, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, Benedict's solution, iodine, Biuret, dische diphenylamine, Sudan IV.
