On the evidence for phosphatides in the external surface of the plant protoplast

Abstract

Leaching experiments with living slices of storage tissues (potato, red beet, sugar beet) in distilled water are described. The examination of extracts obtained under various conditions does not confirm the results of other authors. (Hansteen Cran-ner, Grafe, Grafe and Horvat, etc.) Extraction of potato tissue with fat solvents is also described. The available evidence does not indicate that phosphatides are present in the protoplasmic surfaces and cell walls of living tissues and that such compounds leach therefrom into distilled water.