Lab #4-Photosynthesis

Aim: To investigate the presence of starch in a green leaf.

Apparatus & Materials: beakers, boiling tube, forceps, tongs, green hibiscus leaf, water and ethanol.

Method:

Observations/Results:

LEAF IMMERSED IN ETHANOL

LEAF AFTER TAKEN FROM

ETHANOL & HYDRATED WITH WATER

LEAF AFTER IODINE WAS ADDED

Discussion:

(Use the questions provided below to assist you in writing your discussion in paragraph format. DONOT write the questions in your lab book.)

1. What is photosynthesis?

2. What is the word equation for photosynthesis?

3. What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis?

4. What was the importance of boiling the leaf in the experiment?

5. Why was the leaf soft after boiling it?

6. Why was it important to place the leaf in ethanol?

7. What is the name of the green pigment found in the leaf?

8. Why was the leaf washed with cold water?

9. Why was iodine added to the leaf and what did the color change in the experiment indicate?

Conclusion:

(State the outcome of the experiment based on the aim and give reason to support based on the results.)