Elementary Composition of Proteins

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Experiment No. 6
ELEMENTARY COMPOSITION OF PROTEINS
OBJECTIVES
1. To identify the elements present in proteins
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
1. Carbon and Hydrogen
After heating the casein protein, I have observed how the casein charred as well as the
moisture formed in the tube. The charring of casein indicated the presence and removal
of carbon, while the formation of moisture indicated the presence and removal of
hydrogen from the solid.
2. Nitrogen
Once the red litmus paper exposed to the vapor, the red litmus paper turned blue. This
indicates the presence of ammonia gas, which is basic. Soda lime has a pH of 13.5 and
a moisture content of 14–19%. The Soda-lime is a mixture of different constituent
molecules and compounds. One is Sodium Hydroxide which is a soluble hydroxide and
one of the caustic alkalies. This compound from soda lime reacted to casein, deepening
its color and causing the disagreeable odor produced because of the ammonia gas, which
was an end product of the reaction. The ammonia gas is basic, causing the red litmus
paper to turn blue.
3. Sulfur
Hydrochloric Acid and Barium Chloride were added to indicate a presence of sulfur. There
were white consistencies once Barium Chloride was added. Barium Sulphate (BaSo4) is
insoluble in water. When Barium chloride (BaCl2) oxidized or reacted with sulfur, they
forms BaSo4 which again is insoluble causing it to settle at the bottom.
The equation for sulfur exam is: SO4 (3) + BaCl2 --> BaSO4 + 2Cl
4. Phosphorus
The solution became opaque white yellowish crystalline precipitate. The phosphorus from
the casein reacted with ammonium molybdate which produced an ammonium
phosphomolybdate precipitate
The chemical reaction of nitric acid, ammonium molybdate, and phosphate results in the
formation of ammonium phosphomolybdate
CONCLUSION
Proteins serve a variety of roles in living organisms and are often classified by these
biological roles. They are built as chains of amino acids, which then fold into unique three-
dimensional shapes. Bonding within protein molecules helps stabilize their structure, and
the final folded forms of proteins are well-adapted for their functions. Muscle tissue is
largely protein, as are skin and hair. Proteins are present in the blood, in the brain, and
even in tooth enamel. Each type of cell in our bodies makes its own specialized proteins,
as well as proteins common to all or most cells. We begin our study of proteins by looking
at the properties and reactions of amino acids, which is followed by a discussion of how
amino acids link covalently to form peptides and proteins. We end the chapter with a
discussion of enzymes—the proteins that act as catalysts in the body. In addition to
carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, all proteins contain nitrogen and sulfur atoms, and
many also contain phosphorus atoms and traces of other elements.
APPLICATION
1. What is protein?
Proteins are a complex nitrogenous group with high molecular weight. It consist of a large
number of amino acid connected together with a special bond known as peptide bond.
Unlike carbohydrates, protein contains nitrogen.
2. Give three examples of proteins. Describe and give the structural formula for each
sample.
Primary structure is the amino acid sequence.
The pancreatic hormone insulin has two polypeptide chains, A and B, and they are linked
together by disulfide bonds.
Pepsin has several properties which are markedly different from those common for other
proteins. It has a very low pH optimum for the hydrolysis of different substrates and a high
activity at pH 2. This implies a very stable tertiary structure under conditions in which
many proteins are fully denatured
Hemoglobin is an example of a protein with quaternary structure. Hemoglobin, found in

the blood, is an iron-containing protein that binds oxygen molecules. It contains four
subunits: two alpha subunits and two beta subunits.
REFERENCES
Amino Acids, Proteins, and Enzymes. (2020, April 29). Retrieved June 29, 2021, from
https://chem.libretexts.org/@go/page/129893
Bailey, R. (2019). Learn About the 4 Types of Protein Structure. from:
https://www.thoughtco.com/protein-structure-373563
Al-Shaik, B., Stacey, S. (2013). Breathing Systems. from:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780702049545000048
Sapkota, A. (2020). Sulfide Test- Definition, Principle, Procedure, Result, Uses. from:
https://microbenotes.com/lead-sulfide-test/

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Hemoglobin is an example of a protein with quaternary structure. Hemoglobin, found in

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