Practical: Date:

Title: Food Test on germinating seeds

Aim: To show if germinating seeds contain starch and protein
Materials and Apparatus: water, Sodium Hydroxide solution, Copper Sulphate solution, iodine
solution, test-tube, test-tube stand, measuring cylinders, spatulas, squeeze bottle of water, bean seeds
(soaked overnight), spotting tile, mortar and pestle.

Method:
1. Crush the beans in a mortar and pestle. Add a little water and continue crushing.
2. Leave to settle and then pour out the liquid into a test tube, about 1 – 2 cm3.
3. Add a little of the liquid to a spotting tile and add 2 – 3 drops of iodine solution. Make note of
the observation
4. Add 1 cm3 of NaOH solution to the test tube.
5. Add 2-3 drops of Copper Sulphate solution to the test tube.
6. Shake the contents of the test tube and then make note of the observation.
7. Draw a table below to represent the results – observation and conclusions.
8. Discuss and write a general conclusion.

Questions for discussion:

1. What role do each of the following, starch and protein, play in the germination of seeds?
2. What three other factors are necessary for germination in seeds and what role do they play
3. Seeds usually germinate in the soil where there is no light available. Explain how they obtain
their food without photosynthesis.

Analysis/Interpretation: 12 marks to 10 marks

Correct answers in discussion:
2 – Q1 (1 mark each)
6 – Q 2 (2 marks each)
2 – Q 3 (1 mark for inadequate explanation)
2 – Suitable general conclusion

Manipulation: 10 marks
1- Proper preparation of food sample
1- Set up food sample properly for each food test (only liquid)
1- Use accurate quantities of reagents for test
1- When pouring from reagent bottle, pour away from label, with mouth of reagent bottle against
mouth of measuring cylinder, no spillage
1- Pour from measuring cylinder properly, mouth placed properly, no spillage
1-Replace stoppers immediately after use for each test
1- Orderly and neat station – no bags and unnecessary items, passage clear of unnecessary furniture, no
rushing or crossing over of items
3- Proper clean up - Disposal of solid material in bin (1), proper washing and putting away of apparatus
(1), clean and dry station (1)