Question

While testing the leaves for starch, leaves are boiled in alcohol. Why?
To remove wax present on the leaves(cuticle layer)
To make the plant cells active by iodine solution

Answer 1

The waxy cuticle present on the leaf protects and prevents it from the contact to external environment to prevent damage.

So,in order for iodine to reach and react the cellulose (starch ) the waxy cuticle present needs to be removed