Amino Acid Chromatography—Student Laboratory Kit

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Visualize the properties of amino acids using paper chromatography! The properties of amino acids—acidic or basic, polar or nonpolar, ionic or neutral—are enormously important. They dictate the structures of proteins and the catalytic activity of enzymes. The purpose of this student laboratory kit is to separate a mixture of eight amino acids and identify an unknown based on their rate of migration during paper chromatography. Colorless amino acids are detected by spraying with ninhydrin after elution with the special chromatography solvent. Students discover that all amino acids are different and identify the least polar and most polar amino acids. This activity adds a fresh biological perspective to traditional chromatography experiments. Includes reproducible student handouts, detailed background information, complete Teacher Notes with sample data and answers to all questions, and all necessary chemicals and consumable supplies. Complete for 30 students working in pairs. Perform this experiment in a fume hood or well-ventilated lab.