Organic Molecules

Organic Molecules
The four major classes found in cells
include:
carbohydrates
lipids
proteins
nucleic acids

Carbohydrates
Monomers (building blocks) are monosaccharides
Polymers are formed by dehydration synthesis
Polysaccharides: many glucose molecules
covalently bonded together
starch = plant storage carbohydrate

Iodine Test for Starch

In the presence of starch, iodine turns a dark
purple, blue, or black color.
The regular form of the glucose chains in
starch traps the iodine molecules.
Producing the dark color

Lipids
Soluble in organic solvents and insoluble in
water
Monomers (building blocks) = triglycerides
(glycerol + 3 fatty acids)

Test for Lipids

Lipid based liquids
leave stains (grease
spots) behind when
they dry and water
based liquids do not.
This can be used as a
test

Sudan IV is a lipidsoluble dye

In the presence of
lipids, the solution
turns red/pink

Protein
Monomers = amino acids
Polymers are formed by dehydration synthesis
between the amino group of one amino acid and the
carboxyl group of a 2nd amino acid
Bond formed = a peptide bond

Biuret test for Protein

In the presence of
protein, Biuret reagent
reacts with the peptide
bonds
A pink color indicates
the presence of peptide
bonds
The color intensity is
related to the number of
peptides bonds.
The depth of color
represents the number
of peptide bonds

Pink=few
i.e. peptide

Purple=more
Dark Purple=very
many
i.e. polypeptide