Isolation and Spectral Characterization of Chlorophyll-Protein Complexes

 

William Dietrich, Jr.

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2003, Volume 24

Abstract

In this lab, groups of students will isolate chloroplasts membranes from spinach using centrifugation. After chlorophyll assay, thylakoid membranes are treated with a detergent concentration that results in the solubilization of large macromolecular complexes but not in complete membrane dissolution. Solubilized membranes are subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to separate the green complexes. The green bands are sliced from the gel and their absorbance spectra measured, demonstrating the spectral differences between Photosystems 1 and 2. Students can use this technique to investigate differences due to growth conditions and plant species.

Keywords:  photosynthesis, chlorophyll, protein electrophoresis, chloroplast, photosystems

Louisiana State University (2002)