Variation in the amino acid concentration during development of Canavalia ensiformes

Abstract

The distribution of amino acids in distinct tissues of Canavalia ensiformes was determined during the life cycle of the plant. Glycine was shown to be the main amino acid in mature seeds, while the nonprotein amino acid canavanine exhibited a high concentration in 7-d-old seedlings. Canavanine was lower in the seeds when compared to other tissues analyzed. This does not support the nitrogen-storage function of canavanine, however, it suggests that it is involved in the translocation of amines during the early stages of the development.