Question

A student wanted to show that the leaves of a gorse plant contain glucose. The student crushed the leaves to extract the liquid from cells. Describe the method the student could use to test the liquid from the cells for glucose

Answer 1

To test leaf extract for glucose, the student can perform Benedict's test by mixing the extract with Benedict's solution and heating it. A color change to green, yellow, or red precipitate indicates the presence of glucose. Safety goggles should be worn throughout the process.

Step-by-step explanation:

To test the liquid from gorse plant leaves for glucose, the student could use Benedict's test, which is a simple biochemical assay commonly used in laboratories. Here's the procedure:

Pour about 5 mL of the extracted leaf liquid into a test tube.

While wearing goggles for safety, add approximately 10 drops of Benedict's solution to the test tube.

Place the test tube in a water bath and heat the solution for about 3 minutes. Be sure to practice safe lab techniques when handling heat or fire.

Observe the color change in the solution. A green, yellow, or red precipitate indicates the presence of reducing sugars, such as glucose, in the leaf extract.

This test relies on the reducing property of glucose, where glucose reduces copper ions in the Benedict's solution from blue to a brick-red precipitate under heat.

Caution: Always use personal protective equipment such as goggles when working with chemicals and heat in a laboratory setting to prevent injuries.