Studies on chloroplasts

Abstract

Chloroplasts consist chiefly of protein and lipins. They contain a high percentage of lipins as compared with the rest of the cell. Nearly all the lipin fraction may be extracted with 85% acetone. Cu, Fe, P and NH4 salts are concentrated to a certain extent in the chloroplasts. Ca, Mg, Mn, Na, K and Cl show an opposite localization in the cell. SO4 and NO3 do not follow any general rule. The Cu in chloroplasts appears to exist chiefly in organic combination. Part of the Fe and P is also combined organically but Ca and Mg are present chiefly in the inorganic state. Most of the catalase in the leaf cells is found in the chloroplasts. Carbonic anhydrase and ascorbic acid are found in appreciable quantities both in the chloroplasts and in other parts of the cells.