BIOLOGY COURSEWORK

Class IX
TEST FOR STARCH & FATS
(i)Test for starch
I have chosen to research and carry out this
experiment because it is based on testing food
samples (i.e. potatoes.), which we eat frequently in
many types, like boiled, mashed, and fried
potatoes. It is also my favorite vegetable, and I
want to know the about the compound present in
it.
AIM: To test for starch in the given food sample
(potato).
APPARATUS REQUIRED: Test-tubes, test tube
stand, test tube holder, spirit lamp, dropper, filter
paper, Iodine solution, distilled water, and foodstuf
(potato, rice, wheat or maize grains.
THEORY:
Starch, a complex carbohydrate, is composed of
15%-20% amylose and 80%-85% amylopectin. It is
found in diferent kinds of cereals such as rice,
wheat, maize, etc. After reacting with iodine
solution starch forms a dark, blue-black compound.

The appearance of blue-black color is due to the

presence of amylase in starch.

PROCEDURE:
1.Take a few small, freshly cut pieces of potato or
a few grains of rice or wheat or maize in a
clean test tube.

2. Pour 10 mL distilled water into the test tube.

3. Now, boil the contents of the test tube for about
5 minutes.
4. Allow the test tube to cool.
5. Filter the contents of the test tube through a
filter paper.
6. Test the obtained filtrate for the presence of
starch by the following method.

PRECAUTIONS:
1. Use test-tube holder for holding the test tubes
and keep the mouth of the test tube away from
yourself while heating.
2. Use clean test tubes.
3. Do not use too much of iodine solution.
OBSERVATION:
The color of the filtrate changes to dark blue-black.
INFERENCE:
Appearance of dark blue-black color shows the
presence of starch.
CONCLUSION: Now I have come to know that the
potato has starch present in it.