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The isolation and composition of helical protein microfibrils from Hevea brasiliensis latex

B G Audley

    The Biochemical Journal
    |January 1, 1966
    PubMed

    Insights

    Microfibrils in Hevea brasiliensis latex were isolated and found to be protein-based. These microfibrils are absent in mature latex, suggesting a developmental role in rubber tree tissues.

    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Plant Science
    • Materials Science

    Background:

    • Hevea brasiliensis latex contains lutoid particles, which are known to encapsulate various components.
    • The precise composition and function of microfibrils within these lutoid particles remain incompletely understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To isolate and characterize the microfibrils present in the lutoid particles of young Hevea brasiliensis latex.
    • To determine the biochemical composition and properties of these isolated microfibrils.

    Main Methods:

    • Isolation of microfibrils using low-speed centrifugation, isoelectric precipitation, and gel filtration.
    • Characterization of microfibril components and properties via paper electrophoresis and amino acid analysis.

    Main Results:

    • Microfibrils were successfully isolated from young Hevea brasiliensis latex lutoid particles.
    • The isolated microfibrils behaved as a single protein with an isoelectric point of approximately 4.
    • Protein and possibly carbohydrate were detected; nucleic acid was absent.
    • Amino acid composition of the microfibril protein showed no unusual features.
    • Mature laticiferous tissues showed lutoid particles devoid of microfibrils or their degradation products.

    Conclusions:

    • The microfibrils within Hevea brasiliensis lutoid particles are primarily proteinaceous.
    • The absence of microfibrils in mature latex suggests a role in early tissue development or a breakdown process over time.

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