English National Curriculum - Science
Mission Objectives
State the different ways in which glucose is used by a plant
Describe the difference between glucose and starch
Describe how to test for the presence of starch in a leaf
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Words and meanings to learn
respiration
a chemical process that releases energy from glucose in living cells
starch
an insoluble carbohydrate made from glucose and used by plants as an energy store
cellulose
a complex carbohydrate made from glucose that forms strong plant cell walls, giving plants structure and support
amino acids
small molecules made using glucose and nitrate ions that are joined together to make proteins, which are needed for growth and repair
glucose
a simple sugar made during photosynthesis that provides energy for respiration and is used to make other substances in plants
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For each group of students:
For the class:
Ethanol - refer to CLEAPSS Hazcard 40A and student safety sheet 60 – is highly flammable (flash point 13 °C) and harmful (because of the presence of methanol). The risks in this procedure are reduced by using hot water from kettles or in water baths rather than heating with a Bunsen burner flame. Some protocols recommend propanol (Hazcard 84A) in place of ethanol, as it removes chlorophyll more effectively. However, it has the additional risk of eye damage, its flashpoint is very similar to that of ethanol (IDA) and it may be more expensive.
Kettles of boiling water - Kettles are a safer source of hot water than heating with a Bunsen burner because of the presence of flammable ethanol (IDA) in this procedure. Students are familiar with the hazards of using kettles. Consider how to limit the movement of students around the laboratory with kettles or beakers of near-boiling water. Electrically-heated and thermostatically-controlled hot water baths may be a safer alternative.
Iodine solution - refer to CLEAPSS Hazcard 54B and Recipe card 39. A 0.01M solution is suitable for starch testing. Make this by a 10-fold dilution of 0.1M solution. Once made, the solution is a low hazard but may stain skin or clothing if spilled, and may irritate the eyes.
Beaker or jar (at least 250 cm3), labelled ‘Waste ethanol’ - Save the waste ethanol as a source of chlorophyll for future work. Make sure it cannot be tipped over and is in a safe place, so it is not a fire hazard.
Leaves, different types, such as pelargonium (pot geranium) - If the teacher or technician snips the leaves from the plants to give to the students, the plants are more likely to survive to be used again. Variegated pelargonium (pot geranium) are good subjects for this experiment, as are Tradescantia and Impatiens (busy lizzie). Ensure that the plants have been well-illuminated for 24-48 hours. In winter, it might be worth using a halogen lamp to ensure the illumination is adequate.
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