In article <v01540b05b2d4a398e6ec@[138.251.156.7]>, at6 at st-andrews.ac.uk
(Alyson Tobin) wrote:
> Does anyone have a good, qualitative, method for detecting lipids in seeds?
> This is for an undergraduate practical. The aim is to determine the type of
> storage compounds in a range of seeds. Protein (ninhydrin) and starch
> (iodine) tests work fine but the only lipid stain I have is Sudan III and
> this is difficult to interpret. I'd appreciate any suggestions.
Crush the seed in a pair of pliers, then rub/smear on a 3 x 3 piece of
brown paper bag. The oils will leave a translucent area, water and
alcohols will dry and become opaque. Small reference standards can be
made with olive or peanut oil as well as tap water.
Darvin DeShazer
Science Dept. Chair
St. Vincent High
