Date: 27/02/2022.

Title: Photosynthesis.

Aim: To test a leaf for the presence of starch.

Apparatus & Materials:

 A green leaf.
 A water bath.
 Bunsen burner.
 Test-tube.
 Test-tube holder.
 Test-tube rack.
 A white tile.
 Iodine solution.
 Dropper.
 Tweezer.
 Alcohol.

Diagram:

Procedure & Method:

1. Remove the leaf from a plant that has been in sunshine.

 2. Place the leaf in boiling water for a few minutes. (This is done to break
down the plant cell walls so that chlorophyll can be removed at the
next stage).
3. Place the boiled leaf in a boiling tube half-filled with methylated spirit
or ethanol.
4. Place the tube carefully in a hot water bath. This will remove the
green pigment (chlorophyll) from the leaf.
5. Remove the leaf when completely decolorized.
6. Wash the leaf in warm water to remove the ethanol as well as to
soften the leaf.
7. Place the leaf on a white tile and add drops of iodine solution until the
leaf is completely covered with it. (Starch turns blue-black)

Results:

Discussion:

Photosynthesis is the process in which green plants use sunlight to make their food. The
equation for photosynthesis is 6H₂O + 6CO₂ → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. Glucose is stored as starch in the leaf.
The leaf was placed in boiling water for a few minutes for starch testing. The leaf was boiling in
ethanol to remove the green pigment (chlorophyll) present in it. When iodine is added to the leaf it
changes from brown to blue-black.
Sources of Error:

Use the correct light meter and must know the absorbance of leaves.

Reflection:

I learnt about Photosynthesis and how the green parts of the leaf contains chlorophyll
which makes starch.

Conclusion:

Starch is produced by plants in Photosynthesis.