Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Sucrose & Glucose & Fructose, Oh My! Uncovering Hidden Sugar in Your Food

Hi! I am facing problems on the second part of this project. When I am testing for the sucrose to convert into Glucose via the invertase enzyme, it doesn't convert over the hour and a half the project tells me to do. I have tested the strips and they work fine. The invertase is brand new and IS IN MY REFRIGERATOR. I have tested this part of the project 4 times already and it hasn't done anything yet. I have also read through the instructions twice so I am familiar with the project. I don' t know why it wouldn't be converting. Please Help! I have to present this project on Monday Feb. 3rd.

Hi NuclearTeddy2,
I'm sorry to hear that your project isn't giving you the results you expected. I reviewed the procedure of the experiment on Sciencebuddies. As I'm sure you've read, there is a great emphasis on the temperature when you test the foods for glucose concentration before and after you add the invertase enzyme. You had mentioned that you did keep the enzyme in your refrigerator. Not only is the temperature of the enzyme important, but also the test foods need to be approximately the same temperature. And during the experiment, unless using it quickly to add to the samples, the enzyme should remain in the refrigerator. I also strongly encourage you to check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) which can be found at the bottom of the procedure page of the experiment under Troubleshooting. Now, if you believe that you have followed all these instructions very carefully and don't suspect these types of errors, ask again on Ask An Expert to follow up with me or another expert. Hopefully we can figure out your problem before your due date.

Good Luck!