Lesson 1.6: Investigation: Testing for Nutrients

Carbohydrates are an important nutrient.  Carbohydrates is the name for sugars and starches.  Starches are an important nutrient in your diet.  What is the test for starch? 

Watch the following video clip to see what the test is and how it is done.

Now, answer the following questions about the test for starches.

 

Question 1. What chemical is used to test for starch in a food?

Question 2. Explain how the test is performed.

Question 3. What happens in the test if starch is in a food?

Question 4. What happens if no starch is in the tested food?

 

Check your answers with those that follow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers to Questions:

Question 1. What chemical is used to test for starch in a food?

Iodine is used to test for starch. 

Question 2. Explain how the test is performed.

Add a few drops of iodine solution to the food (the food should be in solution if it is not a liquid), and watch what happens.

Question 3. What happens in the test if starch is in a food?

If starch is in the food, the iodine will react and produce a deep purple or black colour. 

Question 4. What happens if no starch is in the tested food?

If no starch is in the tested food, the solution will retain the brown colour of the iodine.

 


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