Abstract
Together with sulphoquinovosyl diglyceride (sulpholipid) the galactosyl diglycerides (galactolipids) are the glycolipids occurring in the photosynthetic tissue of algae and higher plants. In higher algae and plants they are mainly confined to the chloroplasts (1, 76, 108) where they form a structural part of the thylakoid membranes. Apart from this structural function in chloroplasts several other functions have been attributed to the galactolipids. These vary from a function as a carbohydrate reservoir to a function in the electron transport chain in photosynthesis. This review is intended to summarize the present knowledge of the synthetic and degradative chemistry of the galactolipids and of their functions in the photosynthesis of algae and higher plants.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
