Biological Chemistry- Effect of pH on Protein Solubility

Effect of pH on Protein Solubility

Description: Casein dissolves in an aqueous base. When acid is added to the solution slowly, the protein precipitates but dissolves in excess acid. The process may be reversed by adding base to the acidic solution.

Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry

Year: 1989   Vol: 3   Page: 188

Keywords: pH, Protein, Casein, Solubility of Proteins

Rating:

Hazard: Some

  • Acute toxicity hazard
  • Skin corrosion hazard
  • Inhalation hazard
  • Serious eye damage
  • Corrosive to metals

Effectiveness: Good

  • Results are observable without guidance
  • Good connection from demo to course material
  • High reliability
  • Time to results is low

Difficulty: Medium

  • Use of reactive substances
  • Some sequential manipulations
  • Some timed manipulations
  • Sequential procedures

Safety Precautions:

  • Eye protection required
  • Gloves required
  • UL approved three-prong plug and outlet if required
  • Absorbent material on hand
  • Sodium bicarbonate on hand

 

Class: Biochemistry, Acid Base Chemistry, Solubility

Division: General, Biological Chemistry