Fluorescent Radishes--Almost!

I try quite a few experiments and frequently have unexpected results. This can sometimes be construed as failure, but I tend to think of the things that go wrong to be as important as the things that go right. This experiment falls into this category of investigation.My initial question was whether or not I could introduce a fluorescent dye into a growing plant and track the fluorescence from root to leaf. I used the fluorescent dye fluorescein, that is found in Sharpie Highlighters. (To see how to extract the dye, go to the Odds 'n Ends page and look for "Neon" in the archive). Although we already know that chlorophyll is fluorescent, it is tied together with other molecules and does not show its glow. I am working on that experiment as well. But the video explains my experiment fairly well. However, there are two corrections to note: 1- The middle plant that died from infestation received 25 milliliters of diluted dye, not 50 as I said in the video, but the third plant did receive 50 milliliters. 2- The white impatiens died overnight and could not be photographed. However, search for "fluorescent flowers" and you can see what others have done with the color white in carnations and geraniums.
The next project on this page will be a homemade centrifuge for $5!!!

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