Abstract
Secondary and tertiary biology curricula typically use paper chromatography, and increasingly thin layer chromatography (TLC), for the separation of plant photosynthetic pigments. The purpose of basic chromatography practical work is two fold. Firstly, plant pigment separation leads naturally into a consideration of the separateroles each pigment plays in photosynthesis. Secondly, chromatography techniques are fundamental analytical tools in industry, medicine and biology. Currently an estimated 60% of analyses worldwide are performed using chromatography and chromatography-derived methods. Correct understanding of the basic physico-chemical principles on which adsorption chromatography (paper chromatography and TLC) is based is essential in orderto understand and apply the many other different techniques of chromatography. We have found, however, that explanations for paper chromatography and TLC in a number of important textbooks are scant, non-existent,or incorrect. Errors have occurred due to the misuse of the term absorption instead of the correct term adsorption, and the improper emphasis placed on solubility. Here we offer corrective explanations.
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