Proteins+Acids+and+Bases

Things we need: 2-3 min audio file:: one main journal citation from each lab partner:

Abstract - Keywords: Denaturing, Acids, Base, Dissolution, p
 * THE DECOMPOSITION OF PROTEINS USING ACIDS AND BASES. Edward Xie, Calvin Va Her, Malika Dale.** The purpose of this experiment was to determine if a base could be a substitute for acid in the stomach. This is based on the idea that both acids and bases have the ability to denature proteins, specifically the unraveling ability acid plays in the stomach. Two different proteins were used in this experiment: ground beef and processed cheddar cheese. Similar samples of each were submerged in various pH levels and allowed to sit. Some samples were kept at ambient temperature, others in an incubator meant to mimic body temperature. Data was collected through mass measurement and the ability for the sample to resist changes in height when placed under weights. The results for both quantifiers were somewhat difficult to analyze as the mass was effected by absorption of fluid and the height measurements contained a fair amount of outliers. However, based on some of the data collected and the change in pH of the solutions, it was determined that acids seemed to worked better than bases to dissolve proteins though there was not enough data to confirm this completely.