Protein bodies in umbelliferous seeds. III. Characterization of calcium-rich crystals

The chemical composition of the calcium-rich crystal inclusions present in the seed protein bodies of carrot (Daucus carota L. cv. Imperator 408), wild carrot (Daucus carota L.), caraway (Carum carvi L.), anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), dill (Anethum graveolens L.), celery (Apium graveolens L. cv. Tall Utah), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L. cv. Hollow Crown), parsley (Petroselinum sativum L. cv. Moss Curled), and chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium L. cv. Curled) was determined. Using a variety of methods including X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, microincineration, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, solubility studies, and staining, the chemical composition of the calcium-rich crystal inclusions was identified as calcium oxalate.