Prac 4:Analysis of bread and potato

Molisch reagent: The test solution is combined with a small amount of Molisch's reagent (α-
naphthol dissolved in ethanol) in a test tube.
Isolation of starch from potatoes
Starch can be defined as the most important complex carbohydrate compounds. It is a
polysaccharide and glucoside reserve of plants. It is a renewable and biodegradable product, so it
can act as a perfect raw material and a substitute for fossil-fuel components in making
detergents, glues, plastics, etc.

The starch molecules comprise a large number of glucose units that are bound together by
glycosidic bonds and are produced by all vegetables and other plant sources through the process
of photosynthesis. The starch molecules function as energy storage in plant cells, which is
necessary for their growth, development, and reproduction. Barley, potatoes, maize, rice, wheat
are a few examples of plant products from which starch are extracted and distributed to different
industries.

Iodine test

The iodine-starch test is a chemical reaction that is used to test for the presence of starch or for
iodine. The combination of starch and iodine is intensely "blue-black. The iodine test for starch
is mainly performed to test the presence of carbohydrates. The food products which we eat
include different types of carbohydrates, among which starch and sugars are the main
carbohydrates found in our food products.

Materials Required

 Knife

 Spatula

 Porcelain tile.
  Iodine solution

 Food sample – Potato or any other vegetables or fruits.

Procedure

 Take a fresh Potato which is washed, cleaned and dried.

 Peel off the skin of the potato.

 Cut the potato into small cubes or slices.

 With the help of clean and dried Spatula, place the potato samples on the clean and dried
porcelain tile.

 Add 2 to 3 drops of dilute iodine solution on the potato samples.

 Keep the slide undisturbed and observe the changes.

Observations

There will be a change in colour. A blue-black colour develops on the slice or cubes of the potato
samples.

Result

The result is positive.

According to the observation the food sample or the potato slice turned to blue-black on adding
the iodine solution. This proves the presence of starch in the given plant source. This was a
simple experiment which is used to check for the presence of starch. This Iodine Test for Starch
can be performed for both the liquid and solid food samples.