A shortened experimental protocol of the active learning class for high school students to separate photosynthetic pigments from dry seaweeds available in Japanese local markets.

Abstract

In photosynthetic organisms, conversion of light energy to chemical energy is due to photosynthetic pigments. These pigments are also important in taxonomy and ecology of algae. To understand diversity of photosynthetic pigments, it is useful for high school students to extract and separate pigment components as their laboratory work. In many textbooks used in high schools, solvent extraction and chromatographical separation are included as an experimental protocol. However, there are actual problems regarding collection of pigment samples and time required for conducting the experiment. In the present report, we selected the suitable samples for thin layer chromatography from Japanese dry seaweed foods, which are commercially available in local markets. In addition, we describe teaching materials for 50-min hands-on classes, which include (1) quizzes about food processing and taxonomy of algae, (2) information by slides and video projection, and (3) providers and prices of dry samples of seaweeds, along with the degradation levels of pigments. These materials may encourage students to study phycology, possibly providing the first step to become researches for algal biofuel production.