Synthesis of Amino Nitrogen from Ammonia in Hymenolepis diminuta.

Abstract

Following incubation of H. diminuta in Tyrode media containing ammonium carbonate plus Na alpha-ketoglutar ate, Na pyruvate, Na oxalacetate, Na succinate, or glucose an increase in the amino N content of the worm and media was found. The final value of media amino N in mg. produced in one hr. by 1 g. (dry wt.) of worm was 1.4 in the controls and 4.8, 6.3, 7.4, 2.4, and 2.8, respectively, with the complete media. Paper chromatograms showed that alanine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid were materially increased in the worm during incubation.