C.I.P. - Chemistry of Iris Rhizomes

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Student Name ________________________

Date ________________   Hour __________

PURPOSE: What chemicals are stored in Iris rhizomes?

PROCEDURE:
Cut off small pieces of root, leaf, and rhizome for each test.

STARCH:
1.  Add Lugol’s (potassium iodide) solution to each piece of iris. A black-purple color indicates the presence of starch.

GLUCOSE:
1.  Mash a piece of iris with a mortar and pestle or with a stirring rod in a plastic test tube. Add a few drops of water to moisten.
2.  Place a glucose test strip (Diastix) on the moist surface. Exactly 30 seconds later compare the color of the strip to the manufacturer’s color chart. Record the percentage of glucose for each iris part.

PROTEIN:
1.  Slice off a pea sized piece of rhizome.
2.  Add the rhizome to 5 ml. of Biuret solution in a test tube. Wait 15-20 minutes. A purple color indicates protein is present.

DATA:

  Leaf Rhizome Root
Starch      
Glucose      
Protein      


CONCLUSION: