Abstract

This study investigates the role of light in photosynthesis using the green mayana
plant (Coleus sp.). A leaf was partially covered with foil and the plant was placed in the dark
for 48 hours, then exposed to sunlight for 6-8 hours. The leaf was then tested for starch, a
product of photosynthesis, using iodine solution. However, no blue-black color change was
observed, indicating that no starch was present and thus no photosynthesis had occurred, even
in the areas that had been exposed to sunlight. A hint of green color was still observed after
the iodine solution was applied, suggesting the presence of other pigments. The results
provide insights into the factors influencing photosynthesis and starch production.

Introduction

Photosynthesis is a fundamental process in plants, converting light energy, primarily

from the sun, into chemical energy stored as carbohydrates such as starch. This process is
facilitated by chlorophyll, a pigment that absorbs light most efficiently in the blue and red
spectrum, and least efficiently in the green spectrum, which is reflected back to our eyes and
makes the plant appear green. The experiment aimed to visually demonstrate the
photosynthetic activity within the leaves of a green mayana plant by observing the
distribution of starch, which directly correlates with the areas of the leaf that have been
exposed to light.

Methodology

The experiment involved a potted green mayana plant. A patch of foil was attached to
one of the healthy leaves of the plant, blocking light from reaching the covered area. The
plant was then placed in the dark for 48 hours, ensuring that no photosynthesis could occur.
After this period, the plant was exposed to direct sunlight for 6-8 hours, allowing
photosynthesis to take place in the uncovered areas of the leaf.

The leaf was then detached from the plant and the foil was removed. The leaf was
dipped in hot water for about 30 seconds, killing the cytoplasm, denaturing the enzymes, and
making the leaf more permeable to iodine solution. The leaf was then decolorized by
immersing it in boiling ethanol, which dissolved most of the chlorophyll. Finally, the
decolorized leaf was spread flat on a petri dish and iodine solution was dropped onto it.
Results and Discussion

The iodine solution was applied to the leaf, but no blue-black color was observed,
indicating that no starch was present in the leaf. This suggests that no photosynthesis had
occurred in the leaf, even in the areas that had been exposed to sunlight. However, a hint of
green color was still observed after the iodine solution was applied. This could be due to the
presence of other pigments in the leaf that were not completely removed during the
decolorization process.

Conclusion

The experiment demonstrated the role of light in photosynthesis and its impact on the
distribution of starch within a leaf. The absence of a blue-black color change after the iodine
solution was applied suggests that no photosynthesis had occurred in the leaf, even in the
areas that had been exposed to sunlight. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as the
intensity of the sunlight, the duration of light exposure, or the health of the plant. Further
studies could explore these factors in more detail. The presence of a hint of green color after
the iodine solution was applied suggests that other pigments may still be present in the leaf,
which could be explored in further studies. This experiment could serve as a foundation for
further studies exploring other factors influencing photosynthesis and starch production, such
as temperature and water availability.
 Before the test

After the test