Removal of the Chloroplast Fragments from Plant Extracts by the Octanol Flotation Method

Abstract

THE separation of some plant cell components is complicated by the presence of dispersed chloroplast fragments. Several procedures for removing these are used; they are based on the denaturation of these fragments, and include heating, precipitation by acids or alcohols^1,2, emulgation with chlorocarbons and (or) fluorocarbons^3,4 and adsorption techniques^5,6. All these methods facilitate the sedimentation of the chlorophyll containing material to the bottom of the centrifuge tube or at the interphase-between denser solvent and water layer in the form of a large cake. Such treatments, in addition to the variable denaturation of soluble proteins⁷, cause serious if not entire loss of the minor cell components as a result of co-precipitation.