Studies on the Nitrogen Metabolism of the Barley Plant (Hordeum Sativum)

Abstract

In detached harley leaves held at constant temperature in the dark, thereis an increase in "soluble" and a corresponding decrease in "solid" nitrogen. Inmature leaves, glutamine accumulates in the early stages of starvation and laterdecreases concurrently with an increase in asparagine. In detached seedlingleaves, the glutamine content remains low throughout, the sequence of eventsotherwise resembling that found with mature leaves. Changes in the nitrogenousfractions during autolysis, in sterile conditions, of barley leaf tissuediffer greatly from those found with intact detached leaves. "Soluble" nitrogenincreases, but neither amide nor ammonia accumulates.