Jomel V. Ancino, Charlee Dave G. Gallego, (April 2007)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
This study dealt with the effect of degree of sunlight exposure (fully and partially exposed) on the cell wall components of pechay by determining and comparing the amount (in percentage) of hemicellulose,cellulose, and lignin in the leaf, stem, and root.
The cell wall provides the protoplast, or living cells, with mechanical protection and a chemically buffered environment. In foods, dietary fibers like cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin are important for improved digestion, because they help in the removal of wastes.
Pechay seeds were sown. Thirty days after transplantation, the plants were exposed to different set-ups. Fifty pechay plants were cultivated in an area fully exposed to sunlight. Another fifty pechay plants were partially exposed to sunlight by placing cardboard sheets above the plants. After two weeks, the plants were harvested and the leaves, stems and roots of each plant were segradated. Acid Detergent Fiber, Neutral Detergent Fiber and Klason Lignin determination were used to determine the amount of cell wall components.
Independent T-test (a=0.05) results showed that fully exposed pechay plants have significantly greater amount of lignin in the stem and also significantly lesser lignin in roots. Also, it was found out that the fully exposed pechay plants have greater amount of cellulose in roots. Fully exposed pechay plants have significantly lesser amount of hermicellulose in the stem and roots compared to plants partially exposed to sunlight.
Generally, it was found out that fiber content of fully exposed plants is lesser than partially exposed plants.