Students use evidence from the investigation and logical argument to explain their results. They cite specific ways protein can be denatured, and describe the consequences of protein denaturation. They use their results to predict how high temperatures and pH changes could be dangerous to proteins in the human body. Properties and Changes in Properties of Matter, Grades 5-8 Substances react chemically in characteristic ways with other substances. In this activity, students test for proteins using their characteristic reactions with ninhydrin.
Students also observe the denaturing reaction of proteins and the reaction of starch with iodine.
Chemical Reactions, Grades 9-12 Complex chemical reactions take place constantly in our bodies. Students discuss how high temperatures and pH changes could be dangerous to proteins in the human body. Chemical reactions in living systems are catalyzed by protein molecules called enzymes. Structure and Properties of Matter, Grades 9-12 Carbon atoms bond to form a variety of structures, including molecules that are essential to life. Proteins are one class of these biochemical molecules.