Term | Definition |
biochemistry | the study of the chemistry of living organisms |
carbohydrates | larger organic compounds made of sugars |
lipids | larger organic compounds made of fatty acids |
proteins | larger organic compounds made of amino acids |
nucleic acids | larger organic compounds made of nucleotides |
indicator | a chemical (or mixture of chemicals) that causes a characteristic color change when mixed with a specific type of organic molecule |
positive control | uses an indicator with a sample known to have the substance for which you are testing; you will be certain your test is accurate, that your indicator is working, and that you know what color indicates the presence of the substance |
negative control | uses an indicator with a sample that will not react with the indicator; most cases, will be water, which contains none of the substances for which u are testing; u will be certain that u know what color indicates the absence of the substance |
Lugol's solution (IKI) | contains iodine, which will react with starch; the normal amber color will turn blue-black in the presence of starch |
Benedict's solution | used to test for the presence of glucose |
Biuret Reagent | used to test for the presence of proteins |
acids | substances that release hydrogen ions when dissolved in water |
base | any substance that releases hydroxide ions in water |
pH scale | measures the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution |
0, most acidic, to 14, most basic | range of pH scale |