Extraction and Analysis of Metabolic Phosphates in Plants

We have developed a method for extraction and simultaneous detection and quantification of nucleotides and other phosphate compounds in various tissues. Analyses were based on modification of a method previously applied to animal tissue using an automated chromato-graphic analyser developed in our laboratory. Utilizing perchloric acid extracts of peas (fresh and frozen), tomatoes, and other plant tissues, we detected 19 organic phosphate compounds with the automated phosphate analyzer. The method is generally applicable to plant tissue.