Composition and molecular structure of chromoplast globules of Viola tricolor

Abstract

Plastoglobules have been isolated in pure form from petals of the pansy, Viola tricolor L. Their chemical composition has been determined up to a recovery of 96% dry weight. Triacyl glycerols (57%) as well as carotenoids and their esters (23%) are the main constituents. Polar lipids, proteins, alkanes, phytyl esters, plastid quinones, and steryl esters have been detected in smaller amounts (cf. Table 1). The mean diameter of chromoplast globules is 280±70 nm (corresponding to a volume of 11.7×10(6) nm(3)), their buoyant density 0.93 g cm(-3). The plastoglobules are devoid of a surrounding unit membrane. However, electron microscopical evidence and analytical data are consistent with a structural model envisaging the globules to consist mainly of an apolar core, covered by a 'half unit membrane' of polar constituents.