The nitrogen metabolism of the lupin seedling

Abstract

The nitrogenous part of the seed consists of soluble protein and nitrogenous material insoluble after 3 extractions with water. After 8 days growth the protein nitrogen had fallen from about 60% to about 20%, while asparagin, which is absent in the ungerminated seed, accounted for about 20% of the nitrogen. The asparagin content increased until on the 18th day it accounted for more than 50% of the N, then it gradually decreased. The proteose content also increases up to about the 18th day. The following substances were not present until after germination began: ammonia, amides, amino-acids and nitrates.