Rapid Estimation of Amino-acids

Abstract

DURING an investigation of the physiology of the pitcher of Nepenthes, methods suitable for a field laboratory were required for estimating amino-acids produced during ‘digestion’ and for estimating the uptake of amino-acids by the pitcher. The ninhydrin reaction in its usual form was too slow (Milton and Waters¹ specify 100° C for 1 h) and the only colorimeter available was unsuited to field use.