Botanisch-serologische onderzoekingen

The author tried to confirm the results of Mez et al., who, assuming specific antigens for each plant species, tried to set up a botanical taxonomy by serological differentiation of plant proteins.

The filtrate, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 ml, of an extract of ground seeds of a plant species was always injected into one of the ear veins of a rabbit 6 times every 5 days. After the 6th injection with this antigen solution a blood sample was taken and centrifuged after congealing. The serum was pipetted, the complement made inactive by heating and the titre of the serum estimated (in dilution degree of the seed extract for minimum precipitation). If the titre was not yet sufficient, more was injected. When sufficient, all the blood was taken from the rabbit and serum was separated. For various plants it was then checked whether a protein solution of their seeds or green parts reacted with this anti serum. The precipitation method as well as the conglutination method was used.

For great groups of plants closer relationships could be established with good certitude (confirming results of Mez). But classification of genera and species should be cautious (contrast Mez), as unspecific reactions often occur.