Protein

Key Stage 3

Meaning

Proteins are molecules in our diet that are used by our bodies for growth and repair.

About Proteins

There are many different proteins.

Protein is used to build muscles and repair injuries.

Not enough protein can cause a disease called Kwashiorkor.

Protein

We can eat any of these foods to get enough protein.

Meat provides lots of protein for a balanced diet.	You can help keep your diet balanced by eating lots of different beans.	Nuts are the seeds of trees and are part of a balanced diet.	There are many different kinds of peas that can help make sure you have a balanced diet.

Testing For Protein

Adding protein to Biuret solution will cause the solution to turn purple.

Method

1. Take a small sample of food and dissolve it in water.

2. Add some Biuret to the solution.

3. If it turns from blue to purple then the food contained protein.

This Biuret has turned purple, indicating protein is present.