Some factors controlling carotene destruction by chloroplasts in vitro

Loss of beta carotene from moist leaf protein stored with a preservative, is closely simulated by the destruction of beta carotene by acetone extracted chloroplasts (stroma) suspended in acetone containing 30% water. During this exposure, stroma lose destructive ability, but it is restored by mercaptoacetate and other reducing agents. Stroma can therefore be used repeatedly. This catalytic process is activated by removing intrinsic inhibitors, predominantly calcium, by extraction at pHs less than 4, or by alum. The objective is to find inhibitors which would be acceptable in a food. That restricts choice. Citrate, tartarate and phosphate are among the more attractive possibilities.