why is a green leaf used in the experiment
Biology · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020
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A green leaf is typically used in experiments that are related to photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose. Green leaves contain chlorophyll, the pigment that gives the leaves their color and plays a critical role in absorbing light for photosynthesis.
When a green leaf is used in experiments, it's mainly because it contains chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis to occur. By using a green leaf, experimenters can observe and measure various factors affecting photosynthesis, such as light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature. Additionally, one of the classic experiments with green leaves is to test for the presence of starch, which is a by-product of photosynthesis. The leaf is often boiled in alcohol to remove the chlorophyll and then stained with iodine, which turns blue-black in the presence of starch, indicating that photosynthesis has occurred