Identification of Chloroplast Metabolites

In the process of plant evolution, chloroplast is an important place for energy production and synthesis of active substances. The chloroplast is not only responsible for photosynthesis, it hosts several other metabolic processes necessary for plant survival, such as the synthesis of lipids, fatty acids, vitamins, hormones, and secondary metabolites such as methionine, cysteine, and threonine. In general, many functions of chloroplasts are regulated by nuclear factors, but changes in chloroplast development or metabolic state can cause dramatic changes in the expression of nuclear genes, some of which directly affect chloroplast functions. In addition, chloroplast metabolism is very sensitive to environmental fluctuations and is closely related to plant leaf development. Therefore, identification of metabolite changes during chloroplast growth and development is of great significance to maintain chloroplast function at optimal levels.

Fig. 1. Chloroplast metabolic retrograde signaling pathways. (Chi W, et al., 2015)

Services

We have successfully isolated intact chloroplasts from mesophyll cells of various plants. Over the years, the team at Lifeasible has accumulated extensive experience in chloroplast metabolomic analysis. Here, our scientists are commmitted to providing chloroplast metabolites identification services, using advanced mass spectrometry techniques to identify secondary metabolites (pyruvate, carbon dioxide and water, starch, and so on) produced in several metabolic processes necessary for plant survival, such as  photosynthesis, the synthesis of lipids, fatty acids, vitamins, hormones and secondary metabolites. Additionally, we can help you study the effects of metabolites such as tetrapyrroles, carotenoids, nucleotides and isoprene precursors on chloroplast function and even plant development and adaptation. The identification process of chloroplast metabolites is as follows:

(1) Compounds accurate mass.
(2) Database search.
(3) Primary identification: screening of ions with the same molecular weight in chloroplast metabolites.
(4) Secondary identification: screening ions with the same molecular weight and elemental composition through isotopic distribution comparison. Thereby helping you resolve isotopic problems in chloroplast metabolites.
(5) Tertiary identification: the ions with similar molecular weight, elemental composition and structure are screened by matching the standard spectrum library or the theoretical secondary spectrum library with the actual secondary spectrum. Thereby helping you resolve the issue of isomers in chloroplast metabolites.

Competitive Advantages

• Comprehensive compound database.
• High sensitivity and specificity, small sample requirements.
• We can analyze metabolites that are unstable, difficult to derivatize, non-volatile, and large in molecular weight.
• Qualitative and quantitative detection of metabolites can be performed simultaneously.
• NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS and other analytical equipment can be flexibly selected according to different experimental needs.
• The experimental process is strictly controlled to ensure the accuracy of the results.

Lifeasible can meet the needs of customers on time and on budget through a wide range of chloroplast metabolomics analysis strategies. Our aim is to be customer-centric and to provide the highest quality service to customers around the world. Our skilled and dedicated scientific researchers ensure that the most appropriate methods and techniques are selected for each specialized chloroplast project. Our customer service representatives are enthusiastic and trustworthy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more information or a detailed discussion.

Reference

1. Chi W, Feng P, Ma J, et al. (2015) Metabolites and chloroplast retrograde signaling[J]. Current Opinion in Plant Biology. 25: 32-38.