Millon Test

 

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Date Submitted: November 26, 2012

Alexandra Regilyne M. Romero Samantha Araullo MILLON TEST FOR PROTEIN

I. 

Introduction

The word “protein” is derived from the Greek word “ proteios”, which means “of primary importance”. In fact, proteins plays an important role in all biochemical and physiological body processes; they act as enzymes, hormones, receptors, antibodies and are required for the structural integrity of cells.

II. 

Procedure

  Add 10 drops of the sample to the test tube (Sample: Egg albumin, 2% gelatin,

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and water)   Add 10 drops of Millon reagent to 10 drops of sample tube

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  Mix well and heat on water bath   Observe and note the change in color

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III. 

Test reagent compound Reagent: Millon Reagent Composition: Mercuric Nitrate (10415-75-5) 38%, Nitric Acid (7697-370-2 ) 18%, and Water (7732-18-5) 44%.

IV. 

Results

Egg Albumin + Millon reagent Gelatin + Millon reagent Water + Millon reagent V. 

RESULTS Light red solution and precipitate Brick red solution and recipitate Colorless solution

Explanation Millon's reagent (Hg/HNO3) gives positive results with proteins containing the phenolic amino acid “tyrosine”. Tyrosine is the only amino acid that contains a phenol group on which a hydroxyl group is attached. Millon's reagent reacts with the tyrosine residues and gives a positive result of red coloration to the solution.

 

 

Tyrosine C9H11NO3  C9H11NO3 

VI. 

References:

  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millon's_reagent    http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabriellevelasco/sets/72157624546602231/detail/    Amino acids.pdf

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