The purpose of this lab is to teach students the process of a lab technique called paper chromatography. Essential to the process of photosynthesis is a set of plant pigments whose function is to absorb the light energy from the sun and use this energy to build organic molecules. Students will separate the pigments found in leaves using the technique of paper chromatography.

NOTE: This product is also included in a bundled package containing 15 products (labs, notes, quizzes, homework assignments, unit test) on photosynthesis. The bundled package can be viewed here: Photosynthesis Complete Unit Plan of 15 Products

NOTE: This product is also available in a bundled product called Biology Labs: 15 Must Do Labs for a Biology Class .

Rf values will be calculated. The Rf value represents the ratio of the distance the pigment traveled compared to the solvent front. Each plant pigment has a distinct Rf value which can be used to identify it.

Materials: Mortar and Pestle, Acetone, Leaves, Chromatography paper, Capillary tubing, 25 x 200 test tube, #4 or 5 rubber stopper, Petroleum Ether, Ruler, Calculator, Sand, Test tube rack.

Your 9 page download will include Title, Purpose, Introduction, Safety Precautions, Procedure, Student Data Pages, Follow Up Questions, Answer to all Questions, and Teacher Preparation Notes.

You will receive both an editable Word document as well as a pdf form of the lab.

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Amy Brown (Science Stuff)