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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > March  >
In the Laboratory
Kinetic Analysis of Amylase Using Quantitative Benedict's and Iodine Starch Reagents
Beverly Cochran, Deborah Lunday, and Frank Miskevich
Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Texas A&M University–Commerce, Commerce, TX 75428
Cover
March 2008
Vol. 85 No. 3
p. 401

Abstract
Quantitative analysis of carbohydrates is a fundamental analytical tool used in many aspects of biology and chemistry. We have adapted a technique developed by Mathews et al. using an inexpensive scanner and open-source image analysis software to quantify amylase activity using both the breakdown of starch and the appearance of glucose. Breakdown of starch is analyzed using the iodide/iodine reagent, while the appearance of glucose is followed using Benedict's reagent. The progress of Benedict's reagent is quantified using the inherent color change of a blue solution into a red precipitate. The reaction velocity at different time points is then plotted and graphed using an Excel spreadsheet. This laboratory emphasizes that enzymes mediate the conversion of a substrate into a product and that either the concentration of product or reactant may be used to follow the course of a reaction.
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Citation
Cochran, Beverly; Lunday, Deborah; Miskevich, Frank. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 401.
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Keywords
Biochemistry; Biosynthesis; Carbohydrates; Catalysis; Enzymes; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Food Science; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Laboratory Instruction; Nutrition; Quantitative Analysis; UV-Vis Spectroscopy
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
2/4/2008
2/8/2008
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Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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