The biosynthesis and metabolism of betaines in plants. 2. The biosynthesis of glycinebetaine (betaine) in higher plants

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Abstract
Experiments on the effects of infiltration of possible precursors of betaine into the leaves of Beta vulgaris and Atriplex patula have been described. The infiltration of solutions of choline and betaine aldehyde resulted in a significant increase in the betaine content of the tissues. Little variation from controls was observed when solutions of glycine in combination with methionine were infiltrated into the leaves. When leaves infiltrated with solutions of choline were kept in an atmosphere of nitrogen during the experimental period significant increases in the content of betaine were not observed. Leaves infiltrated with solutions of choline and exposed to light during the experimental period showed a greater increase in betaine content than leaves kept in darkness during the experimental period. The conclusion is reached that the synthesis of betaine in the tissues of higher plants takes place largely as the result of the oxidation of choline.