Identifying Organic Compounds in Plants
Benedict's Solution (alkaline solution of copper sulfate) will react when heated in the presence of simple sugars to form a red precipitate.
I2KI (Solution of elemental ioding and potassium iodide) will become opaque purple in the presence of starch
- Link to positive starch test in a corn grain
Sudan IV: this stain is dissolved in alchohol. It has a greater affinity for nonpolar compounds than for polar compounds like water. It will diffuse into plant tissues containing lipids and color them light red.
- Link to photomicrograph of peanut tissue testing positive for lipids
Concentrated Nitric Acid: will react to phenolic "R" groups on amino acids to form a yellowish product. When followed by a treatment with Ammonium Hydroxide, will form an orangish color.
- Link to positive protein test in a corn grain
C. Nucleic Acids
DNA: In lab we extracted DNA from wheat germ.
- Link to view extracted DNA