## Copilot

Certainly! To test for the presence of starch in a food sample, you can perform the
simple iodine test. Here's a step-by-step activity you can follow:
Materials Needed:
- Food sample (e.g., a piece of potato, bread, or rice)
- Iodine solution (easily available at pharmacies)
- Dropper or pipette
- A small dish or a glass slide
- A knife or a grater (if the food sample is large)
Procedure:
- Prepare the Sample:
- If the food sample is large, use a knife or a grater to obtain a small piece
or to make a thin slice.
- Place the small piece or slice onto the dish or glass slide.
- Add Iodine:
- Using the dropper, carefully add a few drops of iodine solution onto the food
sample.
- Observe the Color Change:
- Watch for a color change on the area where the iodine solution has been
applied.
- A blue-black color indicates the presence of starch in the food sample.
- Record Your Observations:
- Note down the initial color of the food sample and the color after adding
iodine.
- If there is no color change, it suggests that there is no starch present.
Safety Precautions:
- Handle the iodine solution with care, as it can stain clothes and skin.
- Do not ingest the iodine solution or the tested food sample after adding iodine.
Conclusion:
This activity is based on the chemical reaction between iodine and starch. Iodine
molecules fit inside the helical structure of amylose, a component of starch,
causing a noticeable blue-black color. This test is a qualitative assay commonly
used in laboratories and classrooms to demonstrate the presence of starch in
various substances.
Remember to clean up your workspace and wash your hands after completing the
experiment. Have fun exploring the science of food!