Paper chromatography is a technique used to separate molecules based upon their size and solubility in a particular solvent. If pigments from a particular species of plant are extracted and subjected to paper chromatography, which of the following results is most likely?

a. Paper chromatography would separate the pigments into several bands that appear green or yellow/orange.
b. Paper chromatography would separate the pigments into two bands, one that appears blue and one that appears red.
c. Paper chromatography would produce a single band of pigment that is characteristic of that particular plant.
d. Paper chromatography would separate the pigments into two bands that appear green.

a. Paper chromatography would separate the pigments into several bands that appear green or yellow/orange.

Explanation:

The primary or main pigment in plants is the chlorophyll. The chlorophyll gives plants their characteristics green colour and helps in the absorption of light during photosynthesis.

Other pigments in plants include carotenoid with its characteristic yellow, red or orange colour; anthocyanin with its re/blue colour and betalains with its red/yellow colour.

Hence, if pigments from a particular species of plant are extracted and subjected to paper chromatography, one would expect the pigments to be separated into several colour bands ranging from green to yellow/orange.

The correct option is a.