Table of Contents
Detection of Lipids
Overview
In this activity, you will test a variety of samples to see if they contain lipids. Tests for lipids are based on a lipid’s ability to selectively absorb pigments in fat-soluble dyes such as Oil Red O or Sudan IV. These dyes are absorbed by the lipids but not by other molecules in the solution, resulting in floating red globules.
Materials
Each lab group will need the following materials:
- vegetable oil
- lipid solution
- water
- Oil Red O solution
- 4 test tubes
- test tube rack
- wax pencil
Method
- Obtain 4 test tubes and number them 1-4 with the wax pencil.
- Use the information in the table below to fill each test tube with the sample solutions.
- Your instructor may ask you to test some additional materials. If so, include additional numbered test tubes.
- Indicate in the table below whether the the sample you are testing is a positive control, a negative control, or an unknown.
- Record the color of their contents in the table below.
Note: You will need these results for Lab 5.
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