Mapping plant lipids by paper chromatography

Abstract

Two-dimensional paper chromatography has been adapted to the study of fat-soluble materials, which are thereby displayed mapwise on one sheet. The procedure, applied to a variety of plant tissues, has led to the discovery of reducing substances, pigments (including a new chlorophyll), fluorescing substances, quinones and unidentified phyllolipids; has helped in the differentiation of viruses; has uncovered a new enzyme or a new activity of an old one; has amplified knowledge on 20 substances that accompany chlorophyll and that may form part of the photosynthesizing apparatus; has aided the study of carotenoids from flowers, and indicated how mapping may be used in studying the origin of hybrids; has shown that mono-esters of carotenoids occur naturally, and given a hint that they may be common; and has played a major part in investigating the distribution, fluctuation and biochemical role of tocopherols in plants.