Isolation of Plastoquinones C and D from Spinach Chloroplasts

Abstract
A method is described for the isolation of plastoquinone C and D from chloroplasts. Plastoquinone A, and B, tocopherylquinones, and an unknown lipid with oxidation-reduction capability, R263, can also be isolated by this method. The 4 plastoquinones were found in all higher plants studied. The properties of plastoquinones C and D are described as well as the conversion to an unknown derivative R263 which occurs after the plastoquinones C and D are separated from each other. The rapid degradation of plastoquinones C and D is a marked contrast to the excellent stability of plastoquinones A and B.