CONSTITUENTS OF PLANTS 355 



also to the plant. It aids in the assimilation and transportation of 

 the fat. 



Hydrocarbons are compounds of hydrogen and carbon. They 

 have been detected in the unsaponifiable portion of the ether 

 extract of plants. The ether extract of meadow hay contains a 

 hydrocarbon, probably C 27 H I56 . Tobacco contains I per cent, of 

 the hydrocarbons C 31 H 64 and C 27 H 56 . 



Wax Alcohols. The unsaponifiable matter consists of phytos- 

 terol and other alcohols. Phytosterol C 28 H 34 (OH) is a solid 

 alcohol which crystallizes from alcohol in glistening plates. It 

 gives characteristic color reactions with certain reagents. 



The separation of phytosterol and Hydrocarbons from the fats 

 is based upon the fact that while alkalies act upon fats to form 

 compounds soluble in water (soaps), the phytosterol or hydro- 

 carbons are not affected. The ether extract is saponified, and 

 the soap extracted with ether, which dissolves the phytosterol and 

 hydrocarbons. The etheral solution is evaporated, and the 

 phytosterol purified by crystallization from alcohol. 



Wax alcohols are found in considerable proportions in the 

 ether extract of hays and straws. They are digested to a certain 

 extent by animals, though not so well as fats. The alcohols pres- 

 ent are probably myricyl alcohol C 30 H 61 OH, and other similar 

 alcohols of lower molecular weight. 



Chlorophyll. This is the green coloring matter of leaves. It 

 contains nitrogen. It is soluble in ether, and gives a green color 

 to the ether extract from hays and green plants. Its exact com- 

 position is unknown. When the ether extract containing 

 chlorophyll is saponified, and the unsaponified material is ex- 

 tracted by means of ether, the chlorophyll remains with the fatty 

 acids and colors them green. 



Protein. Protein is the nitrogen of the plant multiplied by 

 6.25 and includes all the nitrogenous compounds of feeding stuffs. 

 Protein includes amides, alkaloids, and inorganic nitrogen com- 

 pounds (if present). Protein is found in all parts of all plants, 

 as it is necessary to the life and growth of the plant. It is trans- 

 ferred from the stem and leaves of plants to the seed when the 



