The importance of red pigments to plant life: experiments with anthocyanins

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Abstract
Some simple methods for the extraction of anthocyanins from plant tissues are described, as well as methods of measuring and assaying their potential use as UV radiation protectants. Anthocyanin-less mutant Fast Plants (Brassica rapa) are more severely affected by doses of UV than wild-type controls, and thus show the value of such pigments in protection from UV radiation. Some possible roles for anthocyanins in plants are reviewed. A bioassay using bacteria is suggested, as well as a range of possible investigations suitable for post-16 students.