Identification of amino acids by using paper chromatography

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Identification of amino acids by using paper chromatography

Aim

To separation and identification of amino acids by using paper chromatography

Introduction

Chromatography is a techniques separation of mixtures It involves passing the sample, a mixture which contains the , in the "mobile phase", often in a stream of , through the "stationary phase." The stationary phase retards the passage of the components of the sample. When components pass through the system at different rates they become separated in time, like runners in a mass-start foot race. Each component has a characteristic time of passage through the system, called a "retention time." Chromatographic separation is achieved when the retention time of the  differs from that of other components mixtures in the sample.

There are many types chromatography but there are four main types which are

Liquid Chromatography

Liquid Chromatography this is used in the world to test water samples to look for pollution in lakes and rivers. It is used to analyze metal ions and organic compounds in solutions. Liquid chromatography uses liquids which may incorporate hydrophilic, insoluble molecules also  

Gas Chromatography

Gas Chromatography is used in airports to detect bombs and is used is forensics in many different ways. It is used to analyze fibres on a persons body and also analyze blood found at a crime scene. In gas chromatography helium is used to move a gaseous mixture through a column of absorbent material

Thin-layer Chromatography

Thin-layer Chromatography uses an absorbent material on flat glass or plastic plates. This is a simple and rapid method to check the purity of an organic compound. It is used to detect pesticide or insecticide residues in food. Thin-layer chromatography is also used in forensics to analyze the dye composition of fibres.

And finally paper chromatography, in this experiment I had separate the mixture of three amino acids by using paper chromatography.

Background information

Paper chromatography

Paper chromatography is an analytical technique for separating and identifying pigments and other molecule from extracts that contain a complex mixture of molecules. It is one of the frequently used forms of chromatography. The solvent moves up the paper by capillary action, which occurs as a result of the attraction of the solvent molecules to the paper and to one another

Aspartic Acid

Aspartic Acid is one of two amino acids that have a negatively charged carboxylate group on the side chain. This gives Aspartic Acid an overall negative charge at physiological hydrogen ion concentrations. Although Aspartic Acid is considered a non-essential amino acid, it plays a paramount role in metabolism during construction of other amino acids and biochemical in the citric acid cycle.

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Leucine

One of three branched-chain amino acids that enhance energy, increase endurance, and aid in muscle tissue recovery and repair. This group also lowers elevated blood sugar levels and increases growth hormone production. Supplemental valine should always be combined with isoleucine and valine at a respective milligram ratio of 2:1:2.

Lysine

Lysine is one of the 20 amino acids normally found in proteins. With its 4-aminobutyl side-chain, it is classified as a basic amino acid, along with arginine and histidine. It is an essential amino acid, and the human nutritional requirement is 1–1.5 g daily. A ...

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