Localization of the carbon in caffeine biosynthesized from N-methyl carbon of {gamma}-glutamylmethylamide in tea plants |
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Authors: | Konishi Shigeki; Inoue Takao; Takahashi Eiichi |
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Institution: | 1Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Kyoto University Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606, Japan
2Hoshi College of Pharmacy Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141, Japan
3Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Kyoto University Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606, Japan |
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Abstract: | 1. Localization of carbon in caffeine molecule biosynthesizedfrom the N-methyl carbon of -glutamylmethylamide in tea plantswas observed. 14C-Caffeine produced from 14C--glutamylmethylamidewas isolated and degraded. Approximately 2655% of the14C was observed in the three methyl carbons in caffeine, withonly 23% at the C-2 carbon, 37% at the C-8 carbonposition. The amount of 14C at the C-4, C-5 and C-6 positionswas calculated from the results obtained. 2. The role of the N-methyl carbon of -glutamylmethylamide inthe formation of RNA in tea plants was examined. Incorporationof the N-methyl-14C of 14C--glutamylmethylamide into AMP andGMP in RNA was found. These facts indicate that in tea plants, -glutamylmethylamideis metabolized and most of its N-methyl carbon is utilized asa precursor for caffeine formation and little, if any, as aprecursor for nucleic acid formation.
1 Present address: Department of Agricultural Chemistry, ShizuokaUniversity, Iwata, Shizuoka 438, Japan. (Received February 2, 1972; ) |
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