BIOSYNTHESIS OF NUCLEOTIDES IN WHEAT: I. PURINES FROM C14-LABELLED COMPOUNDS

Abstract
Glycine-2-C14and 5-amino-4-imidazole carboxamide-2-C14(AICA) were fed to wheat leaves and embryos respectively. The soluble fractions were treated with Norit A, and the Norit eluates were subjected to paper chromatographic analysis to identify the purines and derivatives synthesized from the labelled compounds. Glycine and AICA were shown to be precursors of purine nucleotides, and both compounds gained access to nucleic acids (AICA being more efficient). The results are discussed in relation to recent investigations on purine nucleotide synthesis in the wheat plant.