BRAINCAKEChromatography
Photosynthetic pigments can be separated and identified by chromatography, using paper or a thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plate.
Method:
1. Grind a leaf with a little sand and a solvent such as propanone to extract the pigments.
2. Draw an origin line in pencil about 2 cm from the bottom of the paper or plate (ink would dissolve and run).
3. Using a capillary tube, add a small, concentrated spot of extract to the origin, letting it dry between applications.
4. Stand the paper in a container of running solvent with the solvent level below the origin line, and cover it so the air stays saturated with solvent vapour.
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More in Photosynthesis
- The Process of Photosynthesis
- Chloroplasts
- Chlorophyll
- Absorption Spectrum Chlorophyll
- Photosystems
- The Light-Dependent Reactions
- Cyclic Photophosphorylation
- Non-Cyclic Photophosphorylation
All 20 lessons in Photosynthesis · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics