Innovating Science® - Chromatography of Plant Pigments

Chlorophyll is the most prevalent and well-known plant pigment related to photosynthesis. It is not, however, the only plant pigment necessary for photosynthesis to occur. Other pigments are involved in the process. These pigments are often overlooked as they tend to be masked by the abundance of the green pigment chlorophyll. In this activity, students will extract the various pigments from green plant material and separate the pigment using chromatography. Students will not only confirm the presence and learn the role of these "hidden" pigments but also learn about chromatography as a technique for separating molecules. Kit contains enough materials for 15 groups and includes Teacher's Manual and Student Study Guide copymasters.

Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)*

Disciplinary Core Ideas: LS1.C; LS1.B
Performance Expectations: MS-LS1-6; MS-LS1-7; HS-LS1-5
Cross Cutting Concepts: Energy and Matter; Cause and Effect
Engineering Practices: Developing and using Models; Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Kit Includes:
250mL Chromatography Solvent 9-1 (Petroleum Ether/Acetone)
100mL Plant Pigment Extraction Solvent (Ethanol)
15 Microscope Slides
15 pc Chromatography Paper
15 Capillary Tubes

DOT Info:
UN1993, Flammable liquids, n.o.s., (Petroleum ether, Acetone), 3, II, Ltd Qty
UN1170, Ethanol, 3, II, Lty Qty

*"Next Generation Science Standards" is a registered trademark of Achieve. Neither Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards was involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Methanol/Methyl isobutyl ketone, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to http://www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.