How would you test for the presence of a non-reducing sugar?

We can check for the presence of non-reducing sugars the Benedick's Test. If a reducing sugar is present in a solution, adding Benedick's reagent and heating will form an insoluble red precipitate. Non-reducing sugars do not change the colour of the solution, which is blue, and so we have to break the sugar down to monosaccharides by hydrolysis to prove they're non-reducing. So, when the Benedick's test gives a negative result, add dilute hydrochloric acid and put this in a water bath; this will hydrolise the bonds between the disaccharides. Hydrogen carbonate is then added to neutralise the solution as Benedick's reagent doesn't work under acidic conditions. Re-do the Benedick's test- if a non-reducing sugar was present, the solution will now produce a red precipitate, if no no reducing or non-reducing sugars were present, the solution will remain blue.

Answered by Jess O. Biology tutor

97294 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does the kidney work in homeostasis?


Describe and explain the process of glycolysis


Describe the structure of DNA


Outline some of the evidence for evolution


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences