Practical 7.3 Investigation of the action of the action of protease on egg white

Summary

In this practical experiment, egg white is used to study the action of pepsin. Four test tubes are prepared with varying substances: pepsin solution, boiled pepsin solution, dilute hydrochloric acid, and distilled water. Each test tube is sealed and incubated at 37°C overnight with a cube of egg white. After the incubation, the changes in the appearance of the egg white cubes are observed and recorded, allowing for the examination of pepsin's digestive action.

Takeaways

• 😀 The experiment studies the action of pepsin on egg white.
• 😀 Egg white is cut into 4-5 mm cubes to prepare for testing.
• 😀 Test tubes are labeled A, B, C, and D for different treatments.
• 😀 Pepsin solution is added to test tubes A and B.
• 😀 Boiled pepsin solution is added to test tube C.
• 😀 Dilute hydrochloric acid is added to test tubes A, C, and D.
• 😀 Distilled water is added to test tubes B and D as controls.
• 😀 Each test tube is gently shaken to mix the solutions and egg white cubes.
• 😀 Test tubes are sealed with sealing film to prevent contamination.
• 😀 The test tubes are incubated overnight at 37°C for 24 hours.
• 😀 After incubation, changes in the appearance of the egg white cubes are observed and recorded.

Q & A

What is the purpose of this experiment?

The purpose of this experiment is to study the action of pepsin on egg white.

How should the egg white be prepared for the experiment?

The egg white should be cut into four or five millimeter cubes.

What is added to test tubes A and B in this experiment?

Two cubic centimeters of pepsin solution are added to test tubes A and B.

What is added to test tube C?

Two cubic centimeters of boiled pepsin solution are added to test tube C.

What is the purpose of adding hydrochloric acid to the test tubes?

Hydrochloric acid is added to test tubes A, C, and D to create the acidic environment needed for pepsin to function effectively.

What is added to test tubes B and D instead of hydrochloric acid?

Two cubic centimeters of distilled water are added to test tubes B and D.

What should be done after mixing the contents of the test tubes?

Each test tube should be gently shaken to mix the contents.

What temperature and duration should the test tubes be incubated at?

The test tubes should be incubated at 37°C overnight.

What should be done after the incubation period?

After one night, the changes in the appearance of the egg white cubes should be observed and recorded.

Why is it important to use both boiled and unboiled pepsin solutions in this experiment?

The boiled pepsin solution is used as a control to compare with the unboiled pepsin solution, which contains active pepsin, to observe its effects on egg white.