The acid-soluble nucleotides of mature pea seeds

Abstract

Anion-exhange chromatography of the acid-soluble nucleotides of mature pea seeds is described. Stepwise gradient elution involving a series of linear gradients in a formate system has been employed. The adenine and nicotinamide nucleotides together constitute 83% of the total acid-soluble nucleotides. The largest single contribution to this is made by adenosine 5[image]-monophosphate, which constitutes 46% of the total. The nicotinamide nucleotides were present largely in their reduced form, NAD + NADH2 predominating over NADP + NADPH2. Several unidentified substances were resolved and their ultraviolet-absorption spectra recorded. The nucleotide pattern of the seeds did not change significantly over a period of storage for 12 months at room temperature in the dark. Loss of viability over this period amounted to some 8%. The nucleotide patterns of mature seeds of Lupinus luteus and Phaseolus vulgaris were qualitatively similar to that obtained from pea seeds. Results are discussed in relationship to the metabolic activity of mature pea seeds. It is suggested that the metabolism of these seeds is primarily concerned with the production of energy.