Introduction
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy. Chlorophyll, a green pigment present in the chloroplasts of green plants, is essential for this process. The variegated leaves of a potted plant contain areas that lack chlorophyll, and it is necessary to destarch the plant before conducting the experiment to show that chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis.

Destarching the Potted Plant
Destarching the potted plant involves removing the stored starch from the leaves of the plant. This is done by keeping the plant in the dark for a few days, which prevents the plant from carrying out photosynthesis. During this time, the plant uses up its stored starch to carry out cellular respiration, which requires energy.

Reason for Destarching
The reason for destarching the plant is to ensure that the leaves do not contain any stored starch. If the leaves contain starch, it can be used to carry out cellular respiration, which can produce ATP and CO2. This can interfere with the results of the experiment, as the production of ATP and CO2 can be mistaken for photosynthesis.

The Experiment
Once the potted plant has been destarched, the experiment to show that chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis can be conducted. This involves covering some of the leaves of the plant with aluminum foil, which prevents light from reaching those leaves. The plant is then left in the light for a few hours, after which the leaves are tested for the presence of starch.

Conclusion
Destarching the potted plant is an essential step in the experiment to show that chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis. It ensures that the leaves do not contain any stored starch, which can interfere with the results of the experiment. The experiment can then be conducted to show that chlorophyll is essential for photosynthesis.