Showing papers by "Sharon A. Robinson published in 2004"
TL;DR: It is concluded that multiple extractions that combine pure and aqueous acetone are preferable for extraction of the full range of pigments, suggesting that previous studies that have utilised aqueously methanol have probably underestimated the concentration of β-carotene relative to other pigments.
Abstract: The relative efficiency of methanol- and acetone-based solvents for the extraction of pigments from photosynthetic tissues of plant was compared, together with the advantages of multiple versus single extractions. The two commonly employed triple acetone extractions (100:80:80% and 85:100:100%) performed comparably for most pigments and for all plant species tested. Single extractions with either 96% methanol or 85% acetone failed to extract the more hydrophobic pigments, especially β-carotene. We conclude that multiple extractions that combine pure and aqueous (80-85%) acetone are preferable for extraction of the full range of pigments. These results suggest that previous studies that have utilised aqueous methanol (especially in a single extraction) have probably underestimated the concentration of β-carotene relative to other pigments.
50 citations
TL;DR: This set of modules provides students with access to the latest experimental techniques and theory, improving their understanding, updating their skills and switching them on to the amazing process that brings energy into the authors' biosphere.
Abstract: Photosynthesis is a central topic in biology education. It remains one of the most challenging, largely because of a) its conceptual difficulty, leading to lack of interest and misconceptions among students; b) the difficulties students have in visualising the process, or relating it to things they can see, especially when the topic is presented purely as a molecular process; and c) limitations to the practical demonstration of photosynthesis because equipment is either cheap, unreliable and antiquated or prohibitively expensive.In response, we have combined expertise in photosynthesis research and education, and in graphic design, to produce an interactive, multimedia package, available on CD-ROM, containing two practical modules and three theoretical modules, for tertiary level students. Features include an animation of photosynthetic electron transport, suitable for a lecture presentation or for self-paced learning by students, and experimental simulations of photosynthetic gas exchange and chl...
17 citations