Denaturation of proteins Experiment no.5 A protein is able to perform varied functions partly because of its structures.

Denaturation involves changing the secondary and tertiary structures of a protein. Once a protein is denatured, it is no longer stable to perform its natural functions. In this activity, you will investigate the different agents that can cause the denaturation of proteins. You will be able to relate this phenomenon to home or ordinary activities. Materials one fresh egg white (albumin) test tubes (6) conc. Acetic acid or tannic acid beaker,250ml(2) dil. Copper sulfate solution hot plate dil. Lead nitrate solution thermometer ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol test tube holder Procedure 1. Stir in gently the white of one egg into 100ml of water 2. 2. Fill five test tubes half full with egg white solution. 3. Treat the test tubes as follows and make observations and comparisons Tube 1: Add nothing Tube 2: Heat the tube for several minutes in hot water bath on a hot plate, beginning at 50. Record the temperature. Tube 3: Add 5ml of alcohol. Caution! Alcohol is flammable. Extinguish all flames in the room. Tube 4: Add 5ml of tannic or acetic acid solution. Caution! Tannic acid and acetic acid solution. Avoid contact with the skin. Tube 5: Tube 6: Caution! Add several drops of copper sulfate solution. Add several drops of lead nitrate

Avoid contact with lead nitrate and copper sulfate. They are toxic.

[Q1] How do the egg albumin samples in each of the tubes compare with the samples in tubes 1 and 2? [Q2] At what temperature did the egg albumin coagulate in tube2? [Q3] Why do you think the skin is swabbed with alcohol before an injection? [Q4] What would be the usefulness of tannic acid in the tanning process of hides? [Q5] Why would egg white be a treatment for people who have ingested toxic lead salts?

Experiment No. ____ DENATURATION OF PROTEINS Name____________________________________________ Date Started___________________ Co-workers________________________________________ Date Finished________________ _______________________________________ ________________________________________ DATA AND RESULTS Table 1. Observations TUBE No. 1 Treatment OBSERVATIONS

Heating from 50 and higher Adding alcohol

Adding 10ml acetic acid or tannic acid Adding drops of sulfate solution Adding drops of lead nitrate solution

Table 2. Inferences

TUBE No. 1

Treatment

INFERENCES

Heating from 50 and higher Adding alcohol

Adding 10ml acetic acid or tannic acid Adding drops of sulfate solution Adding drops of lead nitrate solution