Photosynthesis

PHOTOSYNTHESIS

There were several objectives in this lab about photosynthesis.
· Our group learned how to separate plant pigments by paper chromatography
· Explain an experiment that indicates that white light promotes photosynthesis
· Describe white light as composed of many colors of light
· Explain the effectiveness of various colors of light on photosynthesis
· Describe an experiment that indicates that carbon is utilized during photosynthesis
· Describe the relationship between aerobic cellular respiration and photosynthesis

First, it is important to know that photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts. The plant pigments absorb solar energy here.

Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b-carotenes, and xanthrophylls are all involved in the process of photosynthesis. Chlorophyll b and xanthophylls transfer the energy they absorb to chlorophyll a.

Paper Chromatography:

We used petroleum ether and acetone as a nonpolar solvent to ...