GE FILTRATION: PLANT PIGMENTS

This gel filtration technique allows students to take advantage of differences in molecular size and structure to separate plant pigments using chromatographic columns. Students pack their own Sephadex G-25 chromatographic columns. They observe the separation of anthocyanin, carotene, chlorophyll and xanthophyll from a mixture of these pigments. This separation is due to differences in size as well as the presence of aromatic and cyclic compounds. The greater the number of rings in the pigments, the greater the affinity of the pigments for the gel granules. Columns may be re-used. Required, but not included: beet, spinach, and coleus leaves, balance, lab glassware and supplies. Designed for 24 students working in six groups of four.
Grades 10-14