The formation of sulphur-containing amino acids in germinating seeds of rape (Brassica napus L.).

ABSTRACT: Sodium [(35)S]sulphide was fed to batches of germinating rapeseed, in some instances with the addition of unlabelled cysteine. Both the total radioactivity and specific radioactivity of the free sulphur-containing amino acids were examined. Cysteine and homocysteine were rapidly labelled; label subsequently appeared in cystathionine and methionine. The results obtained indicated that both the sulphydration and trans-sulphuration pathways were operating. This conclusion was reinforced by the results of experiments in which batches of rapeseed were incubated with l-[(14)C]homoserine. These showed the formation of labelled homocysteine, cystathione and methionine. It was thought the trans-sulphuration pathway was making the greater contribution to the biosynthesis of methionine in germinating rapeseed.

SUBMITTER: Ngo TT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1178506 | biostudies-other | 1972 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other