Biochemistry Indicators

What is an indicator?

• Indicator- chemical that produces a characteristics color when a particular substance is present

• Standards- results that provide you with a positive test

Simple CarbohydrateBenedict’s Test

– Add a few drops of Benedict’s solution to what you are testing

– Put solution in boiling water for 2-3 minutes– Positive Result: Solution changes color- white, orange,

red

Complex Carbohydrate

Iodine Test– Add a few drops of iodine to the solution you are

testing– Positive Result: Solution turns black

Lipids

Transparency Test– Place a few drops of solution testing on a brown

paper bag– Positive Result: Transparent when held up to

light

Protein

Biuret Test– Add a few drops of biuret solution to what you are

testing– Positive Result: Solution turns from blue to violet