C¹⁴O₂ ASSIMILATION IN LILIUM REGALE WITH REFERENCE TO γ-METHYLENEGLUTAMIC ACID

It was found that γ-methyleneglutamic acid, γ-methylglutamic acid, and their keto-acid analogues are natural constituents of Lilium regale. These compounds were not present in the seed but appeared soon after germination. It was shown that, in seedlings, these compounds are not formed from atmospheric carbon dioxide either in the light or in the dark. This was shown also for excised leaves under a variety of conditions. In entire young plants a synthesis of γ-methyleneglutamic acid was demonstrated in the bulbs and roots. The keto-acid analogue was synthesized in all parts of the plant including the leaves. The results suggest that the accumulation of γ-methyleneglutamic acid in leaves is through transport from the subterranean organs of the plant where it is synthesized.