Summer Research Program for Science Teachers
H. Alexandria Bodha
Demonstrating That Light is Dissipated as Chlorophyll a Fluoresces
Summary
When a molecule of chlorophyll a absorbs a
photon of light, an electron is excited from the ground state to
a higher energy state.[9-12 Content Standard B- Interactions of matter and energy] In an
acetone extract, the light energy is not used in the
photochemical processes of photosynthesis. Therefore,
electrons are returned to the ground state and results in energy
being re-emitted as fluorescent light. This light can be
seen in the red region of the spectrum and is generally at a
higher wavelengths than the absorption maximum of chlorophyll a. [9-12 Content Standard B- Conservation of energy]
In this activity the concentration of chlorophyll a is often measured fluorometrically. A fluorometer is often used by scientists to measure the chlorophyll a fluorescence. This teacher lead activity will aid the students in creating their own chlorophyll sample and observing the chlorophyll a fluorescence by simply using a flash light.
Objectives
· To demonstrate that light is dissipated as chlorophyll a fluorescences. This is depicted as a red ring on the very top of the test tube.
Key Concept
Fluorescence represents a means by which a molecule dissipates
excess energy. It represents excess energy in a molecule
releasing light.
SKILLS:
Observing, investigating
TIME:
30 minutes
AUDIENCE: Teachers, middle school and high
school students
Advance Preparation
1. Put together a test tube as shown in Figure 1. (to follow)
2. The solution should be stored in a tightly capped
bottle.
3. To prepare a saturated solution of spinach, add 50 ml
acetone or nail polish remover in a fairly large test tube to 5
leaves of spinach (as needed) and 1 tablespoon of sand (if
available). Mix well and allow the solution to chill in the
freezer overnight.
4. A dark free liquid on the top of the test tube indicates
that the chlorophyll is successfully extracted from the membrane
of the chloroplast. [9-12 Content Standard B- Properties of matter]
Materials & Equipment Needed
· acetone or nail polish remover
· spinach
· test tube with cap/cover
· flashlight
· gloves
· sand
[Teaching Standard D- Make accessible science tools]
Procedure
Remove test tube of solution from the refrigerator ( very carefully).
Turn the lights off. Room should be dark to get the full effect!!!
While one student is holding the test tube of saturated spinach another should turn the flashlight on directly towards the test tube.
Observe. The spinach/acetone solution will have a red ring on the top of the solution, indicating that the molecule of chlorophyll absorbs light and then sends the ray of light seen as the red ring. Fluorescent light is not used in the process of photosynthesis and therefore to prevent it from accumulating, a photon is emitted (not absorbed).
Suggested Follow-Up
Students can also try using different filters to test for
fluorescence. Filters should be placed over the light source.