Rapid determination of the molecular weight distribution of total cellular fatty acids using chemical ionization mass spectrometry

A new method for the qualitative and quantitative determination of the molecular weight distribution of total cellular fatty acids is described. The method includes a simple extraction–saponification followed by chemical ionization–mass spectrometric analysis of the saponifiable matter. This techniq...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: R P Schwarzenbach, N S Fisher
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 1978-01-01
Series:Journal of Lipid Research
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022227520415718
Description
Summary:A new method for the qualitative and quantitative determination of the molecular weight distribution of total cellular fatty acids is described. The method includes a simple extraction–saponification followed by chemical ionization–mass spectrometric analysis of the saponifiable matter. This technique requires small quantities of cell material which, combined with the rapidity and precision of the analysis, makes it attractive to the biologist interested in changes in the fatty acid composition of growing cells. As an example, an application of this method to the fatty acid determination of marine diatoms at different growth stages is presented.
ISSN:0022-2275