Benedict’s Test - GCSE Biology Definition

Benedict’s Test is a biochemical test used to detect the presence of reducing sugars, such as glucose, in a solution. Benedict’s solution, which contains blue copper(II) sulfate, is added to the sample and heated in a water bath. If reducing sugars are present, the solution changes colour from blue to green, yellow, orange, or brick red, depending on the sugar concentration. This colour change happens because copper(II) ions are reduced to copper(I) oxide, forming a coloured precipitate. The test is commonly used in GCSE Biology food analysis practicals to identify simple carbohydrates.