Characterization of Plant Pigments

Nozue, M., Nishimura, M., Katou, A. et al. (1993). Characterization of intravacuolar pigmented structures in anthocyanin-containing cells of sweet potato suspension cultures. Plant < Cell Physiology, 34, 803. 

Chlorophyll b occurs as an accessory pigment of the light-harvesting systems in land plants and green algae, and comprises one-third (or less) of total chlorophyll. The biosynthesis of chlorophyll b has been an area of active research particularly regarding its compartmentalization in chloroplast membranes, identification of the gene for chlorophyllide a oxidase, and characterization of the enzymes involved. ... 

Kroon, J. et al.. Cloning and structural analysis of the anthocyanin pigmentation locus Rt of Petunia hybrida. characterization of insertion sequences in two mutant alleles. Plant J., 5, 69, 1994. 

This experiment provides students with the opportunity to isolate a biomolecule from its natural source, followed by its purification and identification. In addition, students will follow a procedure that is typical of the general extraction and characterization of lipids. However, unlike most lipids, the plant pigments are highly colored and may be characterized and quantified by visible spectrophotometry. Several types of plant tissue may be used. Some recommendations are fresh leaves (tree, plant, grass, spinach), green algae, or mosses. For variety, students may be asked to bring their own samples for analysis. 

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