Endive can be used for chlorophyll extraction.
During chlorophyll extraction, a scientist must weaken the cell walls of a green leaf or plant and then extract the chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is found inside every cell in green leaves, which allows plants to photosynthesize. As a liquid, chlorophyll spills from leaves when it is heat-treated and placed in certain chemicals. This process usually destroys the leaves, so only a few leaves from any living plant should be used to preserve the entire specimen.
Chlorophyll makes photosynthesis possible.
Very green leaves generally respond better to chlorophyll extraction than light green leaves. Spinach, kale, endive, and any dark green leaves from trees usually work well. Light lettuces and soft sheep’s ear usually don’t work as well. The leaves should also be smooth. Hard evergreen leaves, like holly leaves or pine needles, usually don’t break down enough to release their chlorophyll. Evergreens have evolved many mechanisms to maintain their resources, and they generally do not give them up easily.
Kale works well to extract chlorophyll.
When performing chlorophyll extraction, the leaves must be heated and dried. This can be done in two ways. The scientist can vaporize the leaves by placing them in a strainer over boiling water or by simply immersing them in water. Steaming it withers and breaks the leaves without turning them into mush. Some argue that this allows observers to see the extraction more clearly. Those who use any of the cooking methods should remove the leaves from the fire when they are very wilted, soft and flexible.
The next step in chlorophyll extraction involves suspending the leaves in some type of glass container. Empty baby bottles work well, as do clear glass cups. The container used for this experiment should generally not be used for food after the extraction is complete.
The scientist then usually wraps the stalks of the withered leaves and gently ties them with a cotton thread. When tied to the center of a pencil, the cord should allow the leaves to swing in the glass container without touching the bottom or sides. While this step is not necessary, it allows the scientist to remove the leaves from the container to show any color changes that occur after the chlorophyll is removed.
Isopropyl alcohol is the typical liquid of choice during chlorophyll extraction. It extracts the chlorophyll from the leaves into the liquid. The scientist simply fills the container to the brim with isopropyl alcohol and lets the whole sit for about 20 minutes. The liquid should turn green. When the scientist takes the leaves out of the liquid, they should be brown because there is no longer any chlorophyll in them.