CAIE A-Level Biology A2 13.1.6 Pigment Chromatography Questions

Explain pigment chromatography in photosynthesis using evidence from each question and mark scheme.

Exam points

Explain pigment chromatography in photosynthesis.

[Maximum number: 4]

Red algae are multicellular photosynthetic protoctists that contain phycoerythrin. Phycoerythrin is a photosynthetic pigment.

(a)

Phycoerythrin is rarely found in plants that have green leaves.

[ 4 ]

(i)

State the name of a technique that can be used to separate and identify photosynthetic pigments.

[ 1 ]

(ii)

Explain how the results of this technique would be used to confirm that phycoerythrin is present in red algae and not present in a plant with green leaves.

[ 3 ]

any three from:
1 calculate $\mathrm{R}_{\mathrm{f}}$ value(s) ;
2 compare $\mathrm{R}_{\mathrm{f}}$ values of pigments (in red algae and green plant) ;
3 find pigment present (on chromatogram) from red algae but absent from green plant or $\mathrm{R}_{\mathrm{f}}$ value of phycoerythrin will not be the same as Rf values of pigments in green leaves ;
4 identify pigment using reference values (to confirm it is phycoerythrin) ;

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CAIE A-Level Biology A2 13.1.6 Pigment Chromatography Questions question 1

Question (a)

Question (i)

Question (ii)