Ureide Metabolism in Non-nodulated Phaseolus vulgaris L.

The distribution of ureide-N was studied throughout vegetativeand reproductive growth of non-nodulated Phaseolus vulgarisL. (bushbean) grown in nitrate nutrient solution. Largest increasesin ureide-N per plant were correlated with flowering and earlypod formation and with seed filling. Highest amounts of ureidesper organ were measured in stems and axillary trifoliates. Highestconcentrations (µmol ureide-N g^–1 fr. wt.) weremeasured in young developing organs and stems. Seeds did notaccumulate ureides until the ureide content of pods had reacheda maximum. Results obtained using the inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, allopurinol,are consistent with the origin of ureides via purine degradationbut alternative pathways cannot be discounted. Leaves and stems were shown to have the ability to degrade allantoatevia an enzymic process.