Chlorophyll Research In N.Z. Suggested

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30230, 7 September 1963, Page 17

Chlorophyll Research In N.Z. Suggested

Studies of chlorophyll were suggested to New Zealand cnemists by Professor A. E. Alexander, professor of physical chemistry at the University of Sydney.

"If ever there was a country which relied heavily on plants, and therefore on plant research, it was New Zealand, and biologists are clamouring for more knowledge about chlorophyll to apply to their research,” he said. Professor Alexander was guest speaker at the annual conference of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry recently, and has since visited all New Zealand universities. Professor Alexander is directing research in Sydney into colloids and surface chemistry, with special emphasis on chlorophyll. By isolating the layers of chlorophyll from a plant and placing them on a water surface it is hoped to discover more about this little-known ma-

terial. The mechanism by which it utilises light energyin the reduction of carbon dioxide is stll unknown. The facilities required for the research were not extensive, and the benefits of it could be immense to a country which relied so heavily on its crops and pastures, said Professor Alexander. Such study as this was a most effective answer to those who criticised the universities and their “ivory towers.” said Professor Alexander. There were many ways in which the chemist, by his pure research, was able to feed other branches of science with information that could be applied for the common good.