Name: Leon Hunt
Status: student
Age: 18
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: Tuesday, April 08, 2003
Question:
I am doing a lab for my biology class on photosynthesis.
The two pigments we are using are Geranium and Coleus. When we shine the
two samples against a bright white light, apparently they produce
different colours in the flasks. One appears to be bright red while the
other is somewhat different. Why is this so in terms of the physical
nature of colour pigments?
I am also confused at how these pigments are made. In my own knowledge, I
believe there must involve some Ethanol & Acetone after the leaves are
grinded up. But I really want a precise method because I am very
interested. I appreciate it very much.
Replies:
Geranium and coleus are common names of two plants. The pigments color the leaves differently
(green from chlorophyll, red from anthocyanins, etc.) Ethanol and acetone are used to extract
the pigments from the leaves. The following should be helpful.
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