SEPARATION OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC PIGMENTS AND THEIR PRECURSORS BY REVERSED-PHASE HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHY USING A PHOTODIODE-ARRAY DETECTOR

A reversed-phase HPLC method is described for the separation of photos ynthetic pigments, allowing the rapid and efficient separation of prot ochlorophyll(ide)s, chlorophyll(ide)s and cis- and trans-carotenoid is omers. The pigment contents of non-illuminated and illuminated bean le aves were determined and compared. Both sample types present the same carotenoid pattern. The main carotenoids are always trans-violaxanthin , trans-lutein and beta-carotene. The tetrapyrrole pigment contents ar e very different. Non-illuminated leaves mainly contain protochlorophy llide and protochlorophyll eaters whereas illuminated leaves contain m ainly chlorophylls.