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Identifying Proteins and Amino Acids—Student Laboratory Kit

By: The Flinn Staff

Item #: AP1769 

Price: $89.54

In Stock.

In the Identifying Proteins and Amino Acids Laboratory Kit for biochemistry, compare the activity of three common proteins using the biuret test to identify the peptide linkage and its role in protein structure.

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Product Details

The numbers are staggering! Starting with only about 20 different naturally occurring amino acids, a single cell may synthesize more than 3,000 different types of proteins, each with a unique structure and function. The functions of proteins are at the very center of life itself. How do amino acids link together to build a protein? What role do amino acids play in determining the function of a protein? In this exploratory activity, students compare and contrast the behavior of three common proteins—albumin, casein and gelatin—using the biuret test to identify the general nature of the peptide linkage and its role in protein structure. Students then perform a series of chemical tests to further explore the composition of these proteins with respect to the presence of three amino acids—arginine, cysteine and tyrosine. Students learn how hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acid side chains stabilize proteins and contribute to their special properties. Includes reproducible student handouts, detailed background information, Teacher Notes with sample data and answers to all questions and all necessary chemicals and consumable supplies.

Complete for 30 students working in pairs. Perform this experiment in a fume hood or well-ventilated lab.

Specifications

Materials Included in Kit: 
Albumin, 2 g
Arginine, 1 g
Biuret test solution, 120 mL
Casein, 2 g
Cysteine, 1 g
Gelatin, 2 g
α-Naphthol solution, 0.5% in alcohol, 50 mL
Nitric acid solution, 3 M, 125 mL
Sodium hydroxide solution, 3 M, 175 mL
Sodium hypochlorite solution, 250 mL, 2
Sodium nitroferricyanide, 1.5 g
Tyrosine, 1 g
Pipet, Beral-type, graduated, 180


Correlation to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

Science & Engineering Practices

Obtaining, evaluation, and communicating information
Analyzing and interpreting data

Disciplinary Core Ideas

HS-LS1.A: Structure and Function
HS-LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms

Crosscutting Concepts

Patterns
Stability and change
Structure and function

Performance Expectations

HS-LS1-2: Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.
HS-LS1-6: Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other elements to form amino acids and/or other large carbon-based molecules.