Everything Life Sciences Grade 10

Investigation: Optional Investigation: Investigating organic and inorganic components

of bones

Aim:

Experiment A: Remove the inorganic component of bone in order to investigate the organic

component

Experiment B: Remove the organic component of bone in order to observe the properties of

the inorganic component

WARNING!

Bunsen burner and methylated spirits: Wear safety goggles and no loose fitting clothes. Do

not wear synthetic clothes that easily catch fire (cotton and wool clothes are preferable).

Hydrochloric acid: Wear closed shoes, safety goggles, a lab coat and gloves.

Apparatus:

Experiment A

• 2 small chicken bones


• 2 test tubes


• dilute hydrochloric acid/white vinegar

Experiment B

• towel


• 1 small chicken bone


• pipe clay triangle or wire gauze on a tripod stand


• bunsen burner or Methylated spirits burner

Method:

Experiment A

1. Label 2 test tubes with your initials and A and B. Put a bone in each tube.


2. Cover Bone A with water and Bone B with dilute hydrochloric acid. Leave for a few
   days. The acid will dissolve out the mineral component of the bone leaving behind
   the organic part.


3. Take out Bone A and dry it.


4. Use tweezers to take Bone B out of the acid. Rinse it under the tap and dry it.


5. Compare the two bones and not down how they appear and whether they are soft or
   hard, flexible or brittle.

Experiment B

1. Place the chicken bone (Bone C) on a pipe triangle or wire gauze on a tripod stand.

206 7.3. Human skeleton