Cambridge O Level Biology · Syllabus 5090 · Biological Molecules
Iodine Test for Starch
What is Iodine Test for Starch?
A food test in which iodine solution is added to a sample to detect starch. The iodine solution is yellow-brown or orange-brown; if starch is present it turns blue-black. If starch is not detected the iodine solution keeps its original yellow-brown colour. No heating is required. The test detects starch specifically, not carbohydrates in general.
This definition is part of the Biological Molecules chapter in Cambridge O Level Biology.
Last reviewed Syllabus 2026-2028