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Fructose

Key Stage 3

Meaning

Fructose is a simple sugar with formula C6H12O6.

About Fructose

Fructose is a sugar found in fruit.
Fructose has a store of chemical potential energy.
Fructose can be detected using the Benedict's Test.

Testing For Fructose

Fructose can be detected with the Benedict's Test.
Method
1. A sample of food is dissolved in water.
2. The solution is added to blue Benedict's solution in a boiling tube.
3. The solution is kept at 90°C for up to 10 minutes.
4. A colour change indicates the presence of glucose or fructose. If they are present the solution will eventually turn brick red or brown.
BenedictsTest.png
When sugar is present the Benedict's solution turns from blue through several colours until it becomes brick red or brown.

If this was done with sucrose the Benedict's solution would stay blue.


Key Stage 4

Meaning

Fructose is a monosaccharide which all have the formula C6H12O6.

About Fructose

Fructose is a sugar found in fruit.
Fructose has a store of chemical potential energy.
Fructose is used in respiration to provide energy for cells.
Fructose must be converted into Glucose before it can be used in respiration.
One fructose molecule and one glucose molecule bonded together make sucrose.

Testing For Fructose

Fructose, and other monosaccharides, can be detected with the Benedict's Test.
Method
1. A sample of food is dissolved in water.
2. The solution is added to blue Benedict's solution in a boiling tube.
3. The solution is kept at 90°C for up to 10 minutes.
4. A colour change indicates the presence of glucose or fructose. If they are present the solution will eventually turn brick red or brown.
BenedictsTest.png
When sugar is present the Benedict's solution turns from blue through several colours until it becomes brick red or brown.

If this was done with sucrose the Benedict's solution would stay blue.

References

AQA

Fructose, page 172, GCSE Chemistry; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
Fructose, page 252, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA