Introduction

Carotenoids are fat-soluble pigments found in plants. We can’t synthesize carotenoids in our bodies; they can only be acquired from fruits and vegetables in our diet. In addition to being potent antioxidants some carotenoids also contribute to dietary vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for normal growth and development, immune system function, and vision.

Carotenoids are divided into two groups: xanthophylls and carotenes. Xanthophylls contain oxygen; carotenes are hydrocarbons and contain no oxygen. The most common carotenoids include lycopene and a vitamin A precursor called β-carotene. These pigments absorb light between 400 nm and 550 nm and appear red, orange, or yellow to the eye. Carotenoids can also be found in spinach, but the characteristic carotenoid color is masked by the presence of chlorophyll. By extracting the pigments and analyzing the solution by spectroscopy, the different colors can be distinguished.

In this experiment, you will create solutions from carrots, spinach, and tomatoes. You will then use a spectrophotometer to analyze the resultant solutions to determine if carotenoids are present.

Objectives