SULFUR METABOLISM IN THE LUGWORM, ARENICOLA CRISTATA STIMPSON

Abstract

The biosynthesis of taurocyamine in the lugworm was investigated with the use of S35-labeled precursors. Taurine itself appears to be formed from methionine, cystine and cysteine by a series of reactions identical to those known in mammals. An extensive study was made of all the steps involved in the transformation of methionine to taurine and eventually taurocyamine. The demonstration of taurocyamine synthesis was entirely in vivo and attempts to show an enzyme in vitro failed. The rate of taurocyamine formation was extremely low.