Which solution is used to test for diabetes by analyzing urine?

Study for the WJEC Biology Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, hints and explanations included. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Benedict's solution is the appropriate choice for testing for diabetes by analyzing urine. This solution is specifically designed to detect the presence of reducing sugars, such as glucose, in a sample.

In individuals with diabetes, glucose can be found in the urine due to elevated blood sugar levels that exceed the kidneys' reabsorption capacity. When Benedict's solution is mixed with the urine sample and heated, if glucose is present, it will react with the copper ions in the solution. This reaction leads to a color change, typically ranging from blue (no glucose) to green, yellow, or brick-red, depending on the amount of glucose present. This colorimetric change provides a visual indication of glucose levels, making it a practical method for assessing diabetes.

Other solutions mentioned serve different purposes. Iodine solution is used to test for starch, not sugars. Litmus solution tests for acidity or alkalinity, while indicator paper is a broader tool for pH testing and does not specifically target glucose in urine. Therefore, none of these alternatives can provide the specific assessment needed to diagnose glucose presence in urine samples.

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