Biology · Plant Physiology and Photosynthesis
In a classic leaf experiment demonstrating the requirement of CO2 for photosynthesis (Moll's half-leaf experiment), one part of the leaf is enclosed in a test tube containing KOH-soaked cotton, while the other part is exposed to air. After placing the setup in light, why does the part of the leaf inside the test tube test negative for starch?
Verified Solution4 OptionsUpdated: October 2026👁️1 View
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- 1The KOH cotton absorbs all the CO2 gas inside the tube, preventing the carbon fixation required to synthesize glucose/starch.✓
- 2The KOH rapidly absorbs the water vapor inside the tube, leading to severe dehydration of the leaf tissue.
- 3The leaf tissue inside the test tube is completely deprived of light, preventing the light-dependent reactions.
- 4KOH is highly toxic to the leaf cells and directly destroys the existing chlorophyll in that area.
Correct answer
The KOH cotton absorbs all the CO2 gas inside the tube, preventing the carbon fixation required to synthesize glucose/starch.
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