Question: What is the Difference between Green Plants and Fungi?

Summary: Some kinds of vegetation contain sugars and some contain starches. The chemical indicator Benedict’s Solution identifies sugars, and iodine identifies starches. Learn how the presence of sugars and starches are different in green plants and in fungi.

Materials Needed:

(Any of The Materials Highlighted in Blue are Clickable Links for Purchasing)

Mushrooms from the grocery store

Iodine  

Sugar

Graduated Cylinder   

2-cup Clear Glass Measuring Cup

Benedict’s Solution

Paring Knife

Kitchen Stove

Small Saucepan

Green Leaves from a Tree or Bush

Scissors

Pen and Paper for Taking Notes

Project Procedure:

1. Slice a mushroom lengthwise. Using the eyedropper, place 8 – 10 drops of iodine on the interior surface of the sliced mushroom. Write down your observations about color changes.
2. Dice 4 or 5 small mushrooms into very small pieces. Put the diced mushrooms into a small saucepan with ¾ cup of water and 20 ml. of Benedict’s Solution. Bring the mushroom mixture to a boil and lower the heat to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and pour into a clear glass measuring cup. Record your observations about the color change.
3. Repeat the procedure in #2, using 8 – 10 green leaves instead of the mushrooms. Collect the leaves from a tree or bush and use them immediately. Using scissors, cut them into small pieces before covering them with the water and Benedict’s Solution. Continue by simmering the leaves as in #2, removing them from the heat, pouring them into a measuring cup, and recording your observations.