Lab # 6

Title : Photosynthesis

Aim : To investigate whether or not starch is present in a variegated leaf (Croton)

Materials/Apparatus : beaker, matches, boiling tube, Bunsen burner, tripod stand, petri dish, dropper, wire gauze, forceps,
water, ethanol, iodine, croton leaf.

Diagram: Example of what experiment should look like. (Diagram must be labeled)

Method :

1. Obtain a croton leaf for experiment.

2. Prepare a boiling water bath using the Bunsen burner, gauze and tripod stand. Place leaf into a beaker into the
boiling water bath for 1-2 minutes.
3. Remove leaf from the beaker in the water bath and place into a boiling tube with ethanol. Ensure that Bunsen
burner is out.
4. Observe and remove leaf when it becomes a cream color.
5. Place the leaf into cold water to soften it.
6. Place leaf into a petri dish and add a few drops of iodine.
7. Record observations in a table.

Results/Observations:

Details Observations
Texture before experiment
Texture after boiling in water
Texture after boiling in ethanol The leaf was brittle as ethanol dehydrated (extracted
water) from the leaf
Texture after placed in cold water
Color when iodine is added
Discussion :

1. Define photosynthesis and indicate where in the plant cell it occurs. Indicate the reactants and products used.
2. Write the chemical and word equation for photosynthesis.
3. Explain why the leaf was initially placed into boiling water.
4. Explain why the leaf must be decolourized before the starch test can be performed.
5. Why was it important to wash the decolourized leaf in water?
6. The colour observed indicates what?
7. Based on your results link chlorophyll to starch production.