Act 9

GROUP 7
Amondina, Balili, Fernandez, Edrolin, Tagiobon, Berondo
ACTIVITY 9
PRECIPITATION OF PROTEINS
A. Salts of Heavy Metals
Test tube Reagent added Extent of precipitation
1 1% Pb(C2H3O2)2 Medium(light cloudy white)
2 1%HgCl2 Heavy(cloudy white)
3 1%Cd(NO3)2 Light(Clear)
Why do proteins precipitate with salts of heavy metals solutions?
- The metal ions and protein molecules create insoluble complexes,
they precipitate with salts of heavy metal solution. Precipitation may result
from this interaction's potential to denaturation of proteins.
B. Alkaloidal Reagents
1 Saturated picric acid solution Bright yellow
2 10% tannic acid solution Light brown
3 10% trichloroacetic solution Clear/light
4 20% tungstic acid solution Cloudy yellow
Why do proteins precipitate with alkaloidal reagents?
-Alkaloidal reagents and proteins can precipitate each other because the
alkaloidal reagent and protein molecules create insoluble complexes.
C. Concentrated Inorganic Acids

1 Conc. HCl Cloudy white
2 Conc. H2SO4 Cloudy white
3 Conc. HNO3 Pale yellow
Why do proteins precipitate with inorganic acids?
- Proteins precipitate with inorganic acids due to denaturation
and reduced solubility caused by acidic conditions, leading to
protein aggregation and insoluble complex formation.
1. Heller’s test
a. Observation at the junction of two liquids:Particles are seen floating in a whirling motion.
b.
Test solution Observation Extent of reaction
0.25% abumin Clear Yellowish Light
0.12% albumin Clear Yellowish Light
0.06% albumin Clear Yellowish Light
D. Alcohol
1.
Test solution Reagent Added Observation Extent of reaction
1% albumin 95% alcohol Foggy but clear Light
1% gelatin 95% alcohol Very Clear Light
1% peptone 95% alcohol Yellowish Light
2.
Observation: When shaken particles are adequate
Does the result differ with that of 1% albumin and 95% alcohol? No
Explain? Since alcohol can change solubility by interfering with molecular

disruption, albumin, a protein, cannot change solubility by interacting with
other molecules.
E. Heat
1.
Test Solution Result in Biuret test
Filtrate from test tube 1 Purple
Filtrate from test tube 2 Blue
2.
Result: Purple/Violet
Which test solution in procedure 1 produce a result closer to this?

- Filtrate from test tube 1
What does this imply?
-This implies that the result is positive or tested positive.
Explain: The color change implies positive result, indicating presence of peptide
bonds in the proteins.
QUESTIONS
1. What is denaturation?
Denaturation is a process in which a protein loses its structure and function due to external factors such as
heat, pH changes, or chemical exposure. This disrupts the protein's native conformation, rendering it inactive or non-functional.
2. Why is an egg white used as an antidote for lead or mercury poisoning?
It serves as a remedy for lead or mercury poisoning due to the presence of a protein named metallothionein, which
exhibits a strong attraction for binding with heavy metals
3. Explain the used of tannic acid and picric acid in the treatment of burns.
The use of tannic acid and picric acid in the treatment of burns has diminished due to safety concerns and the
availability of more effective alternatives. Tannic acid was believed to form a protective layer over burns, but its use declined
due to skin irritation and allergic reactions. Picric acid, with supposed antiseptic properties, was used topically, but its highly
explosive nature and potential toxicity led to discontinued use. Modern burn care emphasizes sterile dressings, antimicrobial
agents, and pain management, steering away from these historic treatments. Always consult healthcare professionals for
current burn care recommendations.
4. Can heat coagulation test be used to detect the presence of albumin in urine? Explain
Yes, the heat coagulation test can be used to detect the presence of albumin in urine. When urine is heated, proteins,
including albumin, denature and coagulate at elevated temperatures. The appearance of a cloudy or flocculent precipitate after
heating indicates the presence of protein, suggesting the presence of albumin in the urine sample. This test is a simple and quick
method for a qualitative assessment of proteinuria, which is an elevated level of protein in the urine. However, it is not as
specific or sensitive as more advanced laboratory techniques for quantifying protein levels in urine.
5. Which is more effective as disinfectant, 95% alcohol or 70% alcohol? Why?

A 70% alcohol solution is more effective as a disinfectant than 95% alcohol. This is because the presence of water in the
70% solution helps facilitate the penetration of alcohol into bacterial and viral cells, disrupting their structures and leading to
better overall disinfection. Higher concentrations like 95% evaporate too quickly, reducing the contact time needed for effective
disinfection.

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GROUP 7

Amondina, Balili, Fernandez, Edrolin, Tagiobon, Berondo

C. Concentrated Inorganic Acids

Explain? Since alcohol can change solubility by interfering with molecular

Which test solution in procedure 1 produce a result closer to this?

5. Which is more effective as disinfectant, 95% alcohol or 70% alcohol? Why?

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