Isolation of Vacuoles from the Upper Epidermis of Petunia Hybrida Petals. I. A Comparison of Isolation Procedures

Abstract

Vacuoles were isolated from the upper epidermis of petals of Petunia hybrida line R27 using three different procedures. Utilizing the vacuolar localization of anthocyanin, vacuolar prep­arations obtained through polybase treatment, osmotic shock and mechanical forces were com­pared on purity, yield and stability. The comparison indicated that application of the polybase procedure results in the best vacuolar preparations. Vacuoles could be obtained which main­tained their acidic pH and retained their anthocyanin content.