Investigations of Canavanine Biochemistry in the Jack Bean Plant, Canavalia ensiformia (L.) DC

An ontogenetic study of the canavanine and soluble protein pools in the developing jack bean plant, Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC., was conducted. Evidence was presented which clearly established the conversion of canavanine to canaline and urea as the principal pathway of canavanine utilization. The catabolic reactions of certain bacteria involving the formation of guanidine or hydroxyguanidine from canavanine are not operative in the cotyledons of jack bean. Evidence was obtained which indicates that a second, minor reaction is functioning in canavanine degradation.