Dl: Chromatography Of Plant Pigments -IS1511

Chlorophyll is the most prevalent and well-known plant pigment related to photosynthesis. It is not, however, the only pigment necessary for photosynthesis to occur. Other pigments are also involved in the process, though they are often overlooked as they tend to be masked by the abundance of the green pigment chlorophyll. In this activity, students will use paper chromatography to separate the various pigments from a sample of plant pigment extract. Students will not only confirm the presence and learn the role of these “hidden” pigments, but will also learn about chromatography as a technique for separating molecules. Kit contains an Instruction Manual and enough materials for 2
groups of students.