Nitrogenous Constituents of Atropa belladonna L. Grown on Different Sources of Externally Supplied Nitrogen

Abstract

Nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, amides, amino acids, proteins, and alkaloids were determined in plants under all treatments as previously described. At low nitrogen supply, belladonna synthesized alkaloids preferentially over protein. At high levels more protein and soluble nitrogenous compounds accumulated in tissue while the alkaloid level was relatively low. There appeared to be no direct relation between alkaloid and protein. γ-Aminobutyric acid may be a precursor to the belladonna alkaloids based on amounts of each present.