Abstract
Lipid extraction and reconstitution of lyophilized chloroplasts were investigated, by using various extracting solvents; n-hexane, acetone, and their mixtures. With increase of acetone, the solvent extraction caused a more rapid decay of photosynthetic electron flow in chloroplasts, and resulted in less ability of extracted chloroplasts in restoration of activity. Lipid components in hexane extracts of chloroplasts were separated and examined for restoration of photoactivity. α-Tocopherol and plastoquinone A fractions reactivated both Photosystem I and II reactions, while β-carotene and an unknown lipid stimulated preferentially Photosystem I reaction. The unknown lipid was found in chloroplast as a minor component, and suggested to be a new wax ester.
