The Quantity of Biological Pigments in Leaves in Relation to the Side of the Tree

They Grow on

1. Research question
Does the localization of the leaf on the tree (northern or southern side)
influence the quantity of pigments inside?

2. Hypothesis
The southern leaves contain more carotenoids than the northern leaves.

3. Raw data
1. Qualitative data

Side of the tree from which the leaf Colour of carotenoids after
was taken chromatography
Northern Very light orange
Southern Light orange
Table 1 – Colour of carotenoids after chromatography from northern and southern leaves.

2. Quantitative data

Distance travelled by the

carotenoids during chromatography
Side of the tree from which the from the leaves content and ethanol
leaf was taken
mixture ± 0.05
[cm]
Northern 2.6
Southern 2.5
Table 2 – Distance travelled by carotenoids from the northern leaves and the
southern leaves.

4. Processed data

To determine the content of carotenoids in leaves from different sides of

the tree (northern and southern), the Rf values need to be calculated. All
the calculations were performed on GDC.

Rf values
Rf values for each leaf (northern leaf and southern leaf) need to be
calculated. Rf values are obtained from the following formula:

distance travelled by component [cm]
Rf =
distance travelled by solvent [cm]
 The distance travelled by solvent was constant – 6.8cm ± 0.05cm

Side of the tree from which the Rf value for carotenoids separated
leaf was taken during chromatography
Northern 0.38
Southern 0.37
Table 3 – R f value for carotenoids from the northern and the
southern leaves.

5. Uncertainties

Absolute uncertainties according to measure tape used to measure

distances travelled by carotenoids and solvent are 0.05cm. Percentage
uncertainties are calculated using the following formula:

absolute uncer taint y [cm]

% uncer taint y [%] = × 100%
value [cm]

value – distance travelled by solvent/distance travelled by carotenoids

Substance which travelled through

% uncertainty
the TLC plate
Solvent 0.74%
Carotenoids from northern leaf 1.9%
Carotenoids from southern leaf 2.0%
Table 4 – Percentage uncertainties of distances travelled by substances through TLC plate.

Side of the world from

Rf value for
which the leaf was % uncertainty
carotenoids
taken
Northern 0.38 2.6%
Southern 0.37 2.7%
Table 5 – Percentage uncertainties of R f
values.

Percentage uncertainties are converted back to absolute uncertainties

using the same formula as while converting absolute uncertainties to
percentage uncertainties.

Rf value for carotenoids Absolute uncertainty

 0.38 0.0099
0.37 0.010
Table 6 – Absolute uncertainties of R f
values.

6. Conclusions
Carotenoids are a group of compounds, which differ in the length of
conjugated systems therefore those carotenoids which contain more
carbons are more likely to have a lower Rf. However, the Rf values show a
difference of only 0.01, meaning we are probably investigating the same
carotenoid. Carotenoids are degraded due to the presence of UV light and
temperature. The northern and southern side show slight difference
between the amount of light and the temperature. The colour of the
carotenoid on the chromatogram is more intensive in the southern leaf,
meaning there was probably less exposure to sunlight, resulting in an
increased quantity of said carotenoid. Those results prove our hypothesis to
be correct.

7. Evaluation
7.1.Strengths:
1. We integrated with each other and formed friendly bonds.
2. We learned about the means of obtaining and processing scientific
data.
3. We gained knowledge in the areas of biochemistry and plant biology.
7.2 Weaknesses:
1. There are mechanic errors, which cause the absolute uncertainty to
be equal to 0.0099 and 0.010.
2. We only investigated one type of plant so the results could be
different in different species.
3. Our group should divide work more efficiently to avoid complications
and unnecessary conflicts.
4. Our group should use less outdated computers which enable efficient
work.
7.3 Improvements:
1. We should use more precise measurement equipment.
2. We should collect more data from a variety of sources.
3. We should divide work amongst group members before the outset of
the experiment.
4. We should use more professional electronic equipment.