The Yield of Mitochondrial Material from Maize Roots.

Homogenization of maize root tips in buffered sucrose containing ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid produces a smaller mitochondrial fraction than does homogenization in sucrose alone. If the maize seedlings are grown in the presence of calcium the homogenates produce a slightly larger mitochondrial fraction with both isolation media. It is considered that isolation with EDTA produces a cleaner mitochondria fraction; with such isolation it appears that the yield of mitochondria is about 10-15% greater from roots grown with adequate calcium. The results of Florell and Lindblad on yield of mitochondria from wheat roots are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]