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When testing a leaf for starch, why is it first placed in boiling water?

When testing a leaf for starch, why is it first placed in boiling water?
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  • A To extract the chlorophyll
  • B To remove colour from the leaf
  • C To dissolve the starch
  • D To stop chemical reactions
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation:
To test for the presence of starch in a leaf, the leaf is first placed in boiling water for half a minute to kill it; it is then decolourized in hot alcohol; followed by dipping in hot water to soften it. Iodine solution is then added.
NB: killing the leaf means stopping the chemical reactions

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