Paper Chromatography Experiment

This video shows a chromatography experiment used to separate the different color pigments that are found in a black wet erase marker.



This is an experiment that could easily be done at home.  Paper towel could be used instead of the chromatography paper I used to make this video.  You just need to use paper that is absorbent.

It would also be fun to try this experiment using different types of markers or pens.  You could also try different liquids, rubbing alcohol would be an interesting choice.

NGSS Connection:

HS-LS1-1
3.Reasoning
a. Students use reasoning to connect evidence, along with the assumption that theories and laws that describe the natural world operate today as they did in the past and will continue to do so in the future, to construct the explanation. Students describe* the following chain of reasoning in their explanation
iii. Proper function of many proteins is necessary for the proper functioning of the cells.

I have used this lab in connection with showing the NOVA video "Cancer Warrior" which discusses how scientists were able to learn about the proteins involved in the process of angiogenesis.  Scientists first discovered proteins molecules that would stimulate the process of new blood vessels growing to a tumor which then supply the tumor with oxygen and nutrients needed for it to grow.  They also discovered a category of proteins called angiogenesis inhibitors which can slow down the growth rate of tumors by shutting down the recruitment of new blood vessels by tumors.

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