Chlorophyll determination in intact tissues using n,n-dimethylformamide

Photosynthetic pigments from etiolated cucumber (Cucumis sativus var. Beit Alpha improved, Hazera Co., Gedera) cotyledons were extracted by direct immersion of the intact cotyledons into the solvent N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). The solvent is especially efficient when pigment concentration is low; time and tools are saved and the loss of pigment that usually occurs in more complicated extraction procedures is prevented. The specific absorption coefficient of chlorophyll a in DMF was also determined.