Welcome to JAAN's science class!!

Big hi to all of you! I'm an undergraduate following a Bsc in bioscience. Trust me I know the feeling of surfing around the net for ages and getting nothing in return! Or getting something worthless for the time we spent surfing. So I started this blog adding the science stuff I have noted which I think might help someone in their home work. Ok then enjoy!

29 January 2011

Animal diversity

Here's a great site for almost everything you want to know about animals. It includes pictures, classification as well as information.
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/index.html

26 January 2011

Career options for bioscience graduates

Food Scientists – quality control, production management, product development, buying for
a supermarket, packaging consultant, marketing, ingredients sales, labelling laws, factory
auditing, environmental health, academic and industrial research.


Nutrition and Nutritional Biochemistry graduates – nutritionist in food manufacturing
and for supermarket chains, public health nutritionist, health education, media/public
relations/journalism specialising in health and nutrition sectors, clinical biochemistry, medical
laboratory scientific officers, laboratory assistants or go on to further training in dietetics.


Agriculture graduates – dairy consultants/advisers, agriculture business management
consultants, agronomists, roles in the animal feed industry, farming/ rural business
management, research in institutions and industry, land market analyst.


Animal Science – Technical and animal nutritionists, industrial and government researchers,
para-medical/para-veterinary sciences, teaching, medical sales, advisory and management
roles in the agriculture and food industries

Crop Science – agronomists, scientists in horticulture crop production, product marketers,
agrochemical sales executives, plant breeder, journalism, researchers in industry or
universities.


Applied Biology – Research scientists and laboratory officers in agriculture, horticulture,
pharmaceutical and food industries, government scientists, teachers and lecturers, advisers,
managers, sales executives and other roles in agriculture, pharmaceutical and food industries,
scientific journalists, accountants.

Microbiology – microbiologists in hospitals, health protection laboratories, large
pharmaceutical and small biotechnology companies, food manufacture, water quality,
agriculture, cosmetics and toiletries etc.


Biotechnology – researchers in industrial and government research institutes, teachers,
advisors, managers, sales executives in pharmaceutical and other science industries,
accountants and business consultants.


Environmental Biology – conservation officers, field trials officer, clinical trials co-ordinator,
environmental consultant, teachers, etc.


Also there are other numerous career opportunities for bioscience graduates all around the world.


 Jobs in Animal and Plant Resources such as: agriculture consultant,
agriculture research scientist, animal nutritionist, farm manager, field trials officer,
plant breeder, geneticist, soil scientist, horticulturist, veterinary surgeon, veterinary
nurse
  Jobs in Scientific Services such as:
Scientific Research – food technologist, life science research scientist, product
development scientist, process development scientist, process development scientist.
Scientific Technical Support – animal laboratory technician, medical technologist,
physiological scientist (formerly medical technical officers) scientific laboratory
technician, teaching laboratory technician.
Scientific Analysis and Investigation – clinical research associate (set’s up and
manages clinical trials), toxicologist, forensic scientist
Medical Related Scientific Services – biomedical scientist, microbiologist, clinical
microbiologist, clinical scientist.
 Jobs in Health Care such as: medicine, nursing, dietician, nutritionist
etc
 Jobs in Education such as: teaching in schools, lecturing in further and
higher education.
 Jobs in Hospitality and Events Management such as restaurant
manager, hotel manager, event organiser
 Jobs in Natural Resources and the Environment such as
environmental manager, biological field surveyor, nature conservation officer, waste
management officer, water quality scientist
 Jobs in Manufacturing and Processing such as quality assurance,
plant and production management
 Jobs in Retailing, Buying and Selling such as retail manager,
industrial buyer, medical sales executive.
 Jobs in Scientific journalism and publishing.

25 January 2011

The Chemistry of the Group II Analysis

A. The addition of sodium hydroxide does two things: (a) It precipitates the hydroxides of manganese,
nickel, and iron. (b) It forms the hydroxide complexes of aluminum and zinc, since these hydroxides are
amphoteric.
Mn2+(aq) + 2OH–(aq) → Mn(OH)2(s)
Ni2+(aq) + 2OH–(aq) → Ni(OH)2(s)
Fe3+(aq) + 3OH–(aq) → Fe(OH)3(s)
Al3+(aq) + 4OH–(aq) → [Al(OH)4]–(aq) (aluminate ion)
Zn2+(aq) + 4OH–(aq) → [Zn(OH)4]2–(aq) (zincate ion)

B. The addition of nitric acid dissolves the hydroxide precipitate. When sodium bismuthate, a strong
oxidizing agent, is then added, the Mn2+ ion is oxidized to the permanganate ion.
Mn(OH)2(s) → Mn2+(aq) + 2OH–(aq)
Ni(OH)2(s) → Ni2+(aq) + 2OH–(aq)
Fe(OH)3(s) → Fe3+(aq) + 3OH–(aq)
14H+(aq) + 2Mn2+(aq) + 5BiO3–(aq) → 2MnO4–(aq) + 5Bi3+(aq) + 7H2O(l)
                                                                   purple

C. The addition of ammonia forms a precipitate of iron(III) hydroxide and the hexaamminenickel(II)
complex ion. Upon the addition of hydrochloric acid to the precipitate, it dissolves giving Fe3+ ions in
solution. Then treating this solution with ammonium thiocyanate forms a blood-red precipitate of the
hexaisothiocyanatoferrate(III) complex ion.
Fe3+(aq) + 3OH–(aq) → Fe(OH)3(s)
Ni2+(aq) + 6NH3(aq) → [Ni(NH3)6]2+(aq)
Fe(OH)3(s) + 3H+(aq) → Fe3+(aq) + 3HOH(l)
Fe3+(aq) + 6SCN–(aq) → [Fe(NCS)6]3–(aq)
                                            blood-red

D. Adding dimethylglyoxime, H2DMG, to the solution of hexaamminenickel(II) ion gives another
complex ion commonly called nickel dimethylglyoxime. [Note: Dimethylglyoxime (H2DMG, 2,3-
butanedionedioxime, C4H8N2O2) is an organic complexing agent that causes a colorful precipitation of
nickel ions.]
[Ni(NH3)6]2+(aq) + 2H2DMG → [Ni(HDMG)2](s) + 2NH4+(aq) + 4NH3(aq)
                                                                                      pink-red

E. The addition of nitric acid will break up the hydroxide complexes of aluminum and zinc. Then the
addition of ammonia to the resulting solution of Al3+ and Zn2+ ions will do two things: (a) the aluminum
ion will precipitate as aluminum hydroxide and (b) the zinc ion will form the tetraamminezinc(II)
complex ion. Now nitric acid is added to the aluminum hydroxide precipitate causing it to dissolve.
Then the addition of ammonia and aluminon reagent will cause a reddish-pink precipitate of
[Al(OH)3•aluminon] complex to form. (Note: The aluminon reagent is the ammonium salt of aurin
tricarboxylic acid, C22H23N3O9, a red dye.)
[Al(OH)4]–(aq) + 4H+(aq) → Al3+(aq) + 4HOH(l)
[Zn(OH)4]2–(aq) + 4H+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + 4HOH(l)
Al3+(aq) + 3OH–(aq) → Al(OH)3(s)
Zn2+(aq) + 4NH3(aq) → [Zn(NH3)4]2+(aq)
Al(OH)3(s) + 3H+(aq) → Al3+(aq) + 3HOH(l)
Al3+(aq) + 3NH3(g) + 3H2O(l) + aluminon → [Al(OH)3•aluminon](s) + 3NH4+(aq)
                                                                              reddish-pink

F. The addition of HCl breaks up the tetraamminezinc(II) complex ion. Then the addition of potassium
hexacyanoferrate(II) forms a precipitate of K2Zn3[Fe(CN)6]. These two reactions are shown as one step
below.
[Zn(NH3)4]2+(aq) + 2K4[Fe(CN)6](aq) + 4H+(aq) → K2Zn3[Fe(CN)6]2(s) + 4NH4+(aq) + 6K+(aq)
                                                                                      cream to blue-grey

Separation and Confirmation of Group II Ions: Mn2+, Ni2+, Fe3+, Al3+, and Zn2+

This procedure can be used for the known or unknown solution.

A. Separation of Mn2+, Ni2+, and Fe3+ from Al3+ and Zn2+
1. Place 20 drops of the Group II (known or unknown) solution into a clean centrifuge test tube and add
20 drops of 3M NaOH. Heat in a boiling water bath for 10 min. While heating, be sure to stir about
every minute or so to mix the reagents or the aluminum and zinc won’t precipitate properly. Stir,
centrifuge, and decant the supernatant into a clean tube.
2. To reduce problems with the analysis for zinc and aluminum ions it is important that you not transfer
any precipitate to the supernatant. If you have any question about the purity of the supernatant, centrifuge
and decant it a second time. If you can’t remove traces of precipitate by centrifuging, see your instructor
who will use two disposable polyethylene pipets to filter the solution.
3. Save the precipitate and the supernatant. Label the supernatant "Aluminum and Zinc."
The equations for step 1 are:
Mn2+(aq) + 2OH–(aq) → Mn(OH)2(s)
Ni2+(aq) + 2OH–(aq) → Ni(OH)2(s)
Fe3+(aq) + 3OH–(aq) → Fe(OH)3(s)
Al3+(aq) + 4OH–(aq) → [Al(OH)4]–(aq) (aluminate ion)
Zn2+(aq) + 4OH–(aq) → [Zn(OH)4]2–(aq) (zincate ion)

B. Separation and Confirmation of Mn2+
1. To the tube containing the precipitate from part A, add 12 drops of 6M HNO3. Stir the solution until
the precipitate dissolves.
2. Place 5 drops of this solution into another clean centrifuge test tube and add a small amount of solid
sodium bismuthate (NaBiO3) using a wooden spatula. Use the amount you can fit on the tip of the
spatula.
3. Add 20 drops of distilled water, stir, and centrifuge. A purple-colored solution confirms the presence
of Mn2+.
The equations for step 1 are:
Mn(OH)2(s) → Mn2+(aq) + 2OH–(aq)
Ni(OH)2(s) → Ni2+(aq) + 2OH–(aq)
Fe(OH)3(s) → Fe3+(aq) + 3OH–(aq)
The equation for step 3 is:
14H+(aq) + 2Mn2+(aq) + 5BiO3(aq) → 2MnO4-(aq) + 5Bi3+(aq) + 7H2O(l)
                                                                  purple

C. Separation and Confirmation of Fe3+
1. To the remaining solution from part B above, add 15 drops of 6M NH3·H2O and stir. Centrifuge and
decant the supernatant into a clean centrifuge test tube. Label the tube "Nickel" and set it aside for future
use.
8
2. To the precipitate, add 10 drops of 6M hydrochloric acid, stir, and then add 3 drops of 0.1 M NH4SCN.
A “blood-red” color confirms the presence of Fe3+.
The equations for step 1 are:
Fe3+(aq) + 3OH–(aq) → Fe(OH)3(s)
Ni2+(aq) + 6NH3(aq) → [Ni(NH3)6]2+(aq)
The equations for step 2 are:
Fe(OH)3(s) + 3H+(aq) → Fe3+(aq) + 3HOH(l)
Fe3+(aq) + 6SCN–(aq) → [Fe(NCS)6]3–(aq)
                                            blood-red

D. The Confirmation of Ni2+
1. Add 4 drops of dimethylglyoxime (DMG) to the tube labeled "Nickel" in part C and stir. There is no
need to centrifuge, as the nature of the precipitate (sometimes called a “lake”), is more obvious before
centrifuging. A strawberry-colored ppt confirms the presence of Ni2+.
The equation for step 1 is:
[Ni(NH3)6]2+(aq) + 2H2DMG → [Ni(HDMG)2](s) + 2NH4+(aq) + 4NH3(aq)
                                                          pink-red

E. Separation on Confirmation of Al3+
1. Add 10 drops of 6 M HNO3 to the solution from part A above labeled "Al & Zn" and stir. This will
breakup the hydroxide complexes.
2. Now add 10 drops of 6M NH3•H2O to the solution and stir. Check the solution with universal
indicator paper to be sure it is basic (dark blue).
3. If the solution is acidic, add 10 more drops of 6M NH3 ·H2O. Stir and re-check the acidity of the
solution. Continue adding 6M NH3 ·H2O until the solution is basic. You should get a clear gelatinous
precipitate. It may be hard to see until the tube is centrifuged. Even then, some people have difficulty
seeing the precipitate.
4. Centrifuge and decant the supernatant into a clean tube. Label this tube "Zinc."
5. Add 5 drops of 6M HNO3 to the precipitate that supposedly contains aluminum(III) ions and stir until
it dissolves. If it looks like a precipitate is still present, test the solution for acidity with pH paper. If the
solution is not acidic, add 6M HNO3 one drop at a time, with stirring, until the solution is acidic.
6. Now add 4 drops of aluminon reagent and 10 drops of 6 M NH3•H2O. Stir and centrifuge. A cherrycolored
precipitate confirms the presence of Al3+.
The equations for step 1 are:
[Al(OH)4]–(aq) + 4H+(aq) → Al3+(aq) + 4HOH(l)
[Zn(OH)4]2–(aq) + 4H+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + 4HOH(l)
The equations for step 2 are:
Al3+(aq) + 3OH–(aq) → Al(OH)3(s)
Zn2+(aq) + 4NH3(aq) → [Zn(NH3)4]2+(aq)
The equation for step 5 is:
Al(OH)3(s) + 3H+(aq) → Al3+(aq) + 3HOH(l)
The equation for step 6 is:
Al3+(aq) + 3NH3(g) + 3H2O(l) + aluminon → [Al(OH)3•aluminon](s) + 3NH4+(aq)
                                                                               reddish-pink

F. Confirmation of Zn2+
1. Add 10 drops of 6 M hydrochloric acid to the supernatant from part E above labeled "Zinc." Stir the
solution.
2. Add 4 drops of 0.1M K4[Fe(CN)6]. Stir and centrifuge the solution. A cream-colored precipitate
confirms the presence of Zn2+. Note: This precipitate may be contaminated with iron from part A and
may be various shades of blue depending on how much contamination is present.
The equation for step 2 is:
[Zn(NH3)4]2+(aq) + 2K4[Fe(CN)6](aq) + 4H+(aq) → K2Zn3[Fe(CN)6]2(s) + 4NH4+(aq) + 6K+(aq)
                                                                                       cream to blue-grey