Describe the procedure, expected observations, and explanation for testing the presence of starch in germinating maize seeds using iodine solution.

here's the information for the starch test:

a. Test for Starch

• Procedure:

  1. Crush five germinating maize seeds in a mortar using a pestle.
  2. Add a small amount of distilled water and stir to make a paste.
  3. Filter the mixture into a test tube to obtain a filtrate.
  4. Add 2-3 drops of iodine solution to about 2 mL of the filtrate in a clean test tube.
  5. Observe any color change.

• Observation / Result: The iodine solution will turn from yellowish-brown to blue-black.

• Explanation of results: The blue-black color change indicates the presence of starch. Iodine reacts with the coiled polysaccharide chains of starch to form a blue-black complex. In germinating maize seeds, starch is stored as a food reserve, but it is gradually broken down into simpler sugars by enzymes during germination. Therefore, while starch will be present, its concentration might be lower than in a dormant seed.