Abstract
Summary
1. A new technique of resolving and identifying the members of the B6 family of growth factors is described. It involves the use of paper partition chromatography coupled with a microbial indicator.
2. Using this method it has been demonstrated that pyridoxal undergoes a non-enzymatic transamination reaction even in the cold. Pyridoxal also appears to react reversibly with other amino acids.
3. The reaction between cysteine and pyridoxal differs from that with other amino acids in that one can demonstrate the formation of at least one adduct which moves more slowly on the chromatogram than does pyridoxamine. This reaction may produce a new form of vitamin B6 which may also have a transient existence in nature.
4. The technique described should prove of value as a means of establishing the purity of the various forms of vitamin BG used, in biological and biochemical studies.
5. The general technique employing paper partition chromatography and microbial indicators should be of value in resolving other multiform vitamins into their constituent parts.
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