Cyclopropylamino acids of the genus Acer: Distribution and biosynthesis

A survey has been made of amino acids and γ-glutamyl peptides present in seeds of many Acer species. Particular emphasis was placed upon the occurrence of cyclopropylamino compounds, and their pattern of distribution is examined against a recent revised classification of the genus. Labelled precursor feeding experiments have been used to provide preliminary information about the pathways involved in hypoglycin-A biosynthesis in A. pseudoplatanus (sycamore) fruits.