pill.png

Pill

Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence

direct-hit.png

Direct Hit

Theme A - Unity & diversity

page-facing-up.png

Page Facing Up

Theme B - Form & Function

keycap-digit-one.png

Keycap Digit One

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Ever wonder why plants look green? It&#39;s not just one single shade of green doing all the magic! Leaves have various pigments, each absorbing different colors (wavelengths) of light. Let&#39;s dive into the world of chromatography to separate and identify these pigments.

<ul>
	<li>Chloroplasts in plant cells contain multiple types of chlorophyll.</li>
	<li>There are also accessory pigments.</li>
	<li>Each pigment absorbs different wavelengths of light, making them appear different colors to us.</li>
</ul>

🌎 Real-world example: Think of pigments like different shades of paint in an artist&#39;s palette. Each shade or color has a specific role to play in creating a masterpiece.

<ul>
	<li>A method to separate different pigments.</li>
	<li>You might have heard of paper chromatography.</li>
	<li>Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) is the superstar here:
	<ul>
		<li>Uses a plastic strip coated with a porous layer.</li>
		<li>Produces better, clearer results than paper chromatography.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

🌎 Real-world example: It&#39;s like sorting out mixed candy based on color, only more scientific!

<ul>
	<li>
	Preparation: Tear up a leaf and place the pieces in a mortar.
	</li>
	<li>
	Grinding

	<ul>
		<li>Add a pinch of sand (for better grinding).</li>
		<li>Pour in some propanone (fancy name for acetone).</li>
		<li>Grind until pigments dissolve and you have a dark green liquid.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

🌎 Real-world example: It&#39;s similar to making pesto. Grinding basil leaves releases the green chlorophyll!

<ul>
	<li>
	Separation: Allow solid particles to settle. Pour the greenish liquid (propanone with pigments) into a watch glass.
	</li>
	<li>
	Evaporation: Use a hairdryer to remove any propanone and water.
	</li>
	<li>
	Pigment Prep: Add a few drops of propanone to the dried pigments. Use a paintbrush to mix them.
	</li>
	<li>
	TLC Strip Loading

	<ul>
		<li>Paint a tiny dark spot of the pigment mix onto the TLC strip.</li>
		<li>Dry between drops for best concentration.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Setup: Slide the TLC strip into a cork slot. Place it into a specimen tube ensuring it doesn&rsquo;t touch the bottom.
	</li>
	<li>
	Solvent Time

	<ul>
		<li>In a ventilated area, fill the tube with running solvent up to a mark level.</li>
		<li>Lower the TLC strip into the solvent, BUT ensure the solvent doesn&rsquo;t touch the pigment spot.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Watching Paint Dry (Literally): Wait for around 5 minutes. Watch as the solvent travels and the pigments separate.
	</li>
	<li>
	Analysis

	<ul>
		<li>Remove the strip when the solvent is near the top.</li>
		<li>Draw lines marking the solvent front and the initial pigment spot.</li>
		<li>Circle and mark each separated pigment.</li>
		<li>Measure distances traveled by each pigment and the solvent.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Use a fume cupboard if available to protect against solvent fumes.</li>
	<li>Ensure proper disposal of solvents &ndash; Mother Earth thanks you!</li>
</ul>

🌎 Real-world example: Think of the solvent as a detective, separating and identifying each pigment &quot;suspect&quot;!

Through the magic of TLC, you can unveil the different pigments in leaves! Each pigment plays its role in absorbing sunlight, making photosynthesis possible. So, every time you see a green leaf, remember there&#39;s more than just one shade of green doing the work!

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Unlocking Photosynthetic Pigments: A Chromatography Guide

Table of content

Introduction 🌿

What are photosynthetic pigments? 🌈

Chromatography 101 🔍