Abstract
The incorporation of H 3 in alkaloid biosynthesis was studied by growing Nicotiana rustica var. brasilia plants in tritiated water. The rate of H 3 incorporation was very fast in the first 2.5 hr., after which it was much slower for the remainder of the 70-hr. experiment. The relative rate of incorporation of H 3 in different classes of organic compounds was similar to that of C 14 from C 14O 2, except that incorporation of H 3 into the alkaloids was much more rapid. H 3 activity was detected in tobacco alkaloids 30 min. after a 1-min. exposure, whereas C 14 incorporation into the alkaloids was not detected 30 min. after 60 min. exposure. The relative changes of the H 3 specific activities of different alkaloids obtained from plants exposed for different lengths of time to tritiated water can best be explained by considering nornicotine to be a precursor of nicotine under the experimental conditions. This confirms previous results using N 15.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
