Photosynthesis

• Photosynthesis: building up of carbohydrates (glucose) from carbon dioxide and water using radiant energy from the sun that is trapped by the chlorophyll. Oxygen is released
• Raw materials required for photosynthesis

  carbon dioxide from atmosphere

  water from soil

  radiant energy from the sun

  chlorophyll in chloroplasts of green plants

  enzymes
• Products of photosynthesis


  Glucose, stored in plant as starch

  
  

  Oxygen, released into the atmosphere
• Photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells

  
• $CO2 +$$H20 +$$Radiant E, chlorophyll, enzymes→ Glucose +$$O2$

  Equation for the process of photosynthesis
• What are the steps in the typical procedure for testing for starch production in a leaf?

  1. Obtain a leaf from a plant exposed to sunlight.
  2. Boil the leaf in water.
  3. Soak the leaf in alcohol to remove chlorophyll.
  4. Apply iodine solution to the colorless leaf.
  5. Observe for a blue-black color change.
• What is the purpose of boiling the leaf in water during the starch testing procedure?


  Boiling the leaf in water softens the cell walls and allows chemicals to penetrate.
• What is the main reason for soaking the leaf in alcohol during the starch testing procedure?


  The alcohol soak is used to extract and remove the chlorophyll pigment from the leaf.
• What happens to the leaf after chlorophyll is removed and iodine is applied?


  If starch is present, the leaf will turn blue-black when iodine is applied.
• Why is it important to remove chlorophyll before testing for starch production?

  Removing chlorophyll allows the blue-black color change indicating starch to be clearly visible.
• What is the overall importance of removing chlorophyll in the starch testing experiment?

  • Allows clear visibility of the blue-black color change indicating starch.
  • Ensures an accurate and reliable test for confirming photosynthesis.
  • Prevents interference from the green chlorophyll pigment.