Question 32
Photosynthesis and Plant NutritionIn testing for starch in a leaf the function of alcohol is to
- A.kill the cells of the leaf
- B.soften the veins of the leaf
- C.aid iodine to penetrate the cells
- D.be a component of the heating bath
- E.extract the chlorophyll from the leaf
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: E (extract the chlorophyll from the leaf)
Explanation
Hot alcohol dissolves the green chlorophyll out of the leaf so the blue-black iodine colour can be seen clearly.