Protein in foliage leachates of Pinus radiata

Protein, together with polysaccharide, was identified among components of foliage leachates of Pinus radiata. The protein separated into two main fractions on Sephadex G-75 when eluted with Tris buffer or with sodium dodecyl sulphate. Electrophoresis of the mixture in polyacrylamide gel revealed seven protein-staining bands, while cellulose chromatography using acidic and basic solvents separated the protein into ten ninhydrin- reactive compounds. Acid-catalysed hydrolysis released fourteen amino acids, together with galactose, mannose, fucose, and galacturonic acid as the main monosaccharides.