Nitrogen metabolism of Picea glauca. II. Diurnal changes of free amino acids, amides, and guanidino compounds in roots, buds, and leaves during the onset of dormancy of white spruce saplings

Abstract

In late August during the onset of dormancy in spruce, seasonal levels of soluble nitrogen, rich in arginine, were high. On a fresh weight basis, diurnal levels of total soluble nitrogen and most component amino acids in roots, buds, and leaves showed maxima, one at sunrise and another in the afternoon or near sunset.Arginine and glutamine in the different plant parts contributed 44 to 83% to the alcohol-soluble nitrogen. In buds and leaves, percentage of arginine remained high and decreased slightly at midday, whereas in roots a continual drop occurred. In all organs examined, changes in glutamine reflected the double maxima of total soluble nitrogen and were greatest in roots.On a fresh weight basis, most amino acids accumulated at sunrise and near sunset; however a few especially in leaves, increased at midday, e.g. glutamic and aspartic acid, lysine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and serine.Comparison of levels of free guanidino compounds in different organs showed remarkable out-of-phase patterns. Levels of these compounds are known from 14C-arginine studies to be closely related to the metabolism of arginine.