Nitrite assimilation and amino nitrogen synthesis in isolated spinach chloroplasts

The assimilation of nitrite leading to de novo synthesis of amino nitrogen in a chloroplast-enriched fraction isolated from freshly harvested young spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) leaves was demonstrated. The preparations showed approximately 55% intact chloroplasts as determined by light scattering properties and fixed CO₂ at rates of approximately 100 μmoles hr⁻¹ mg chlorophyll⁻¹.