Abstract
A method is described for the extraction and analysis of various N-, P- and C-containing fractions from plant material. Lipids were extracted with chloroform/methanol and chloroform/methanol/water. Soluble N (nitrate, ammonia and amino acid), P (inorganic and sugar phosphate) and C (sugar and tannin) fractions were extracted with cold trichloroacetic acid. Hot soluble N and P (nucleic acid) and C (starch and tannin) fractions were extracted with hot trichloroacetic acid. Protein remained in the residue. A detailed automated scheme is described for the analysis of each of the above fractions. Also included are methods for analyzing triglyceride, hydrolyzable ester phosphate and phytic acid.