Description

Why do most plants look green? And how do they capture energy from light? These and more questions about the properties of chlorophyll are explored through this simple hands-on investigation, which we present here as a free resource. In this activity, students will isolate plant pigments from leaves, separate the pigments using paper chromatography, and then investigate whether the different pigments will fluoresce when suspended in a solvent. Using the background information provided with this lab, students will be able to describe the physiological role of chlorophyll and will be able to explain why fluorescence is a property of chlorophyll only when removed from its cellular surroundings.

• Techniques: fluorescence detection, paper chromatography
• Topics: Photosynthesis, environmental science, fluorescence, biotechnology
• Time required: One 45-minute period
• Level: Middle school through advanced high school

NOTE: This is a free resource guide. Users are responsible for providing all materials. No materials will be shipped.