Amino acid metabolism of Astacus leptodactylus Esch.—III. Studies on the biosynthesis of α- and β-alanine from aspartate

Abstract

1. 1. Six hours after injection of 1- or 4-14C-aspartate into the crayfish Astacus leptodactylus almost all radioactivity incorporated was found in the amino acids.

2. 2. From both precursors only the amino acids α-alanine and glutamic acid were labelled. The biosynthesis of α-alanine from aspartate via decarboxylation of aspartate, oxaloacetate or malate is discussed.

3. 3. No synthesis of β-alanine via α-decarboxylation of aspartate had occurred during the incubation period. Its probable formation through the pyrimidine metabolism is discussed.