(a) Will phenylalanine test positive or negative in the biuret test? Why? (b) What color do you expect when phenylalanine is added to the biuret test?

Biology (MindTap Course List)
11th Edition
ISBN:9781337392938
Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Chapter3: The Chemistry Of Life: Organic Compounds
Section3.1: Carbon Atoms And Organic Molecules
Problem 3C
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### Structure of Phenylalanine and Biuret Test Analysis

**3. The structure of phenylalanine is shown to the right.**

**Chemical Structure Breakdown:**
- The structure consists of an amino group (\(\text{H}_3\text{N}^+\)) attached to a central carbon (alpha carbon).
- The central carbon is also bonded to a hydrogen atom, a carboxylate group (\(\text{COO}^-\)), and a phenyl group (benzene ring).

**(a) Will phenylalanine test positive or negative in the biuret test? Why?**

- **Answer:** The biuret test is used to identify peptide bonds, which are present in proteins. Phenylalanine is an amino acid and does not contain peptide bonds within its structure. Therefore, phenylalanine will test negative in the biuret test.

**(b) What color do you expect when phenylalanine is added to the biuret test?**

- **Answer:** Since phenylalanine will test negative, there will be no color change expected in the biuret test. The biuret test typically turns violet in the presence of proteins or peptides, but in this case, the solution would remain the color of the reagent (typically blue).
Transcribed Image Text:### Structure of Phenylalanine and Biuret Test Analysis **3. The structure of phenylalanine is shown to the right.** **Chemical Structure Breakdown:** - The structure consists of an amino group (\(\text{H}_3\text{N}^+\)) attached to a central carbon (alpha carbon). - The central carbon is also bonded to a hydrogen atom, a carboxylate group (\(\text{COO}^-\)), and a phenyl group (benzene ring). **(a) Will phenylalanine test positive or negative in the biuret test? Why?** - **Answer:** The biuret test is used to identify peptide bonds, which are present in proteins. Phenylalanine is an amino acid and does not contain peptide bonds within its structure. Therefore, phenylalanine will test negative in the biuret test. **(b) What color do you expect when phenylalanine is added to the biuret test?** - **Answer:** Since phenylalanine will test negative, there will be no color change expected in the biuret test. The biuret test typically turns violet in the presence of proteins or peptides, but in this case, the solution would remain the color of the reagent (typically blue).
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