Phospholipids in the Uredospores of Uromyces phaseoli: I. Identification and Localization

Utilizing paper, thin layer and gas chromatography, the phospholipids of dormant and germinating spores have been isolated and identified. The identifications were based upon agreements of retardation factor values between the unknowns and reference compounds and their derivatives. Quantitative analysis of components, color reactions and specific labeling experiments were also used to support certain identifications. At least three, and usually more, criteria were used for each phospholipid that was definitively identified.The major phospholipids of Uromyces phaseoli are phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Diphosphatidylglycerol, or cardiolipin, phosphatidylinositol, and another phosphoinositide were present as minor components. In germinating spores, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidic acid were detected in trace amounts. The presence of these common intermediates in the biosynthesis of phospholipids indicates that phospholipid synthesis is active during the germination process. Except for the absence of phosphatidylglycerol, the types of phospholipids present are similar to the host plant. Germ tube wall preparations were found to contain phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine in about the same proportion as that observed in resting spores, while the proportion of diphosphatidylglycerol was about three times higher. An unidentified phosphorous-containing lipid was also a significant component of the total phospholipids extracted from germ tube walls.