What is the test used for nucleic acids?

Review for the KAMSC Honors Biology Exam. Enhance your knowledge with multiple-choice questions, flashcards, and detailed explanations to master key concepts. Prepare confidently for your semester exam!

The Diphenylamine test is specifically designed to detect the presence of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA. When nucleic acids are present, they react with diphenylamine in an acidic medium, producing a distinct blue color. This reaction makes it a useful qualitative assay in laboratories to identify and confirm the presence of nucleic acids in a sample.

The other tests mentioned are utilized for different classes of biomolecules. For instance, Benedict's test is used to identify reducing sugars, such as glucose. The Sudan III test is employed to detect lipids due to its affinity for fat molecules. The Biuret test is designed to identify proteins through a color change that occurs when proteins react with copper ions in an alkaline environment. Each of these tests serves a specific purpose and targets particular biochemical compounds, underscoring the uniqueness of the Diphenylamine test for nucleic acids.

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