Comparative study of photosynthetic pigments in the leaves of forage plants of the cryolithozone of Yakutia

Abstract

Abstract Thin-layer chromatography and spectrophotometry were used to determine the content of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids) in green leaves of forage plants. It was found that the content of carotenoids was high for forage grasses with a high content of green pigments. It was revealed that β-carotene plays the most important role since it is a precursor of vitamin A and lutein, which has a high antioxidant (protective) property. According to modern concepts, lutein and β-carotene actively function in various organs of herbivores. They play a special role in the functioning of the mammalian visual apparatus, protecting this organ from the light factor. In addition, lutein is one of the physiologically active substances that make up cow’s milk.