SOME ABSORPTION SPECTRA OF LEAF EXTRACTS

Abstract

Studies on a number of spp. of plants indicate that the spectro-scopic data obtained on extracts of leaf pigments may sometimes be interpreted on the basis of formation of degradation products of chlorophyll. Unsuitable methods of leaf-killing may involve pheophytin formation, hydrolysis or oxidation of the chlorophyll components. These are reflected in significant changes in the absorption curves. By the use of inulin the presence of 2 components, blue and green, corresponding to chlorophylls a and b, is confirmed. The evidence is unfavorable to the hypothesis that a 3d component exists in vivo. The necessity of supplementing the spectroscopic data with adsorption studies by Tswett column technique is emphasized.