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How to Remove Chlorophyll in Plants

Chlorophyll is a molecule that allows plants to process CO2 and water into carbohydrates by using energy from the sun. This process is called photosynthesis. The lives of most creatures on the planet directly or indirectly depend on the process of photosynthesis. Because chlorophyll is a green pigment, it gives leaves their green colors. When chlorophyll is removed from the leaves, you can see the actual colors of the leaves. You can remove chlorophyll from leaves by breaking down the plant cells' membranes using heat and rubbing alcohol.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Small cooking pot
  • Large, green leaf from a tree or other plant
  • Drinking glass large enough to fit the leaf
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Medium-sized mixing bowl
  • Tweezers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill the pot with water and set it on a stove burner at a medium-high setting, until it begins to boil.

    • 2

      Fill the drinking glass with rubbing alcohol. Use enough alcohol to cover the leaf.

    • 3

      Put the leaf into the boiling water, and let it sit there for two minutes.

    • 4

      Remove the leaf from the boiling water with a pair of tweezers. Be very careful not to burn yourself with the scalding water.

    • 5

      Place the leaf in the glass of rubbing alcohol so it is entirely submerged.

    • 6

      Fill the medium-sized bowl with warm water from the tap, and place the glass in the center of the bowl.

    • 7

      Check on the leaf periodically to see how much chlorophyll has been drawn out. In one hour, most of the chlorophyll should be removed from the leaf, turning the rubbing alcohol green.

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