Instructions for Protein Determination Lab Report

This will be an individual lab report. Each group will perform the experiment and collect the data but the actual writing is to be done on an individual basis.

The lab report will require four (4) sections - Introduction (3 points), Results (7 points), Discussion (7 points), Questions 10 points). An additional 3 points will cover appearance, spelling and grammar. The lab report must be typed in 12 point font and all sections must be in the same font. Clearly indicate the sections of the lab report. Use a formal, analytical style of prose. Do not use words like "got", or "thing" and do not use contractions Part of your grade will be based upon the correct identification of the unknowns. .

Introduction:. Provide an introduction on how the biuret reagent (look up) can be used to determine protein concentration. State a purpose for the experiment. The introduction should be at least 50 words. Also provide a hypothesis regarding how much protein you expect to find in an egg (again look it up)

Results: This section should contain a table with your group's data. You should have a table with the tube number, the protein concentration and the absorbance result for the standard curve and you should have a table for the 9 tubes with the volume of egg white used in each tube and the absorbance value. Average each of the three tubes’ absorbances at the same egg white volume. Construct a graph in Excel for the standard curve (see http://www.blacksage.com/ChemHon/Handouts/ExcelInstr.htm ). Use the standard curve and the formula for a line to calculate the concentration of protein in your egg white sample. The multiply by the total volume (should be 1000 mL) to obtain the total protein in the egg.

Discussion: This section should contain three paragraphs. The first paragraph should be a summary of the experiment. This should be between 50 and 75 words. The next paragraph should discuss your results and your conclusions. Does the amount of protein determined correspond to what was expected?. This should be between 50 and 75 words. The last paragraph should include a discussion of potential sources of error in your results and suggestions for improvement.

Questions: Answer the questions at the end of the lab handout. A copy of can be obtained online at the website.