The effects of sodium fluoride on cytoplasmic leakage and the lipid and fatty acid composition of jack pine (Pinus banksiana) seedlings

Abstract

The effects of sodium fluoride on the lipid and fatty acid composition of jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) seedlings were studied using chromatography techniques. Sodium fluoride markedly reduced levels of phospholipids and increased those of nonpolar lipids. Fatty acid composition was little affected. In several fluoride treatments, elevated levels of palmitic and stearic acid were found, while those of behenic acid declined. The changes in lipid and fatty acid composition were accompanied by increased solute leakage from cells. Cellular membranes are implicated as possible sites of fluoride injury.