Distribution of saccharopine and 2-aminoadipic acid in higher plants

Saccharopine and 2-aminoadipic acid have been identified in eleven plant species belonging to nine families. The amino acids have been isolated from green parts of the plants using ion-exchange chromatography and preparative high voltage electrophoresis, and in three cases the identification was supported by mass spectroscopy. Mild conditions were used during the isolation to avoid lactamization, and the contents of saccharopine and 2-aminoadipic acid have been determined semiquantitatively. The significance of the occurrence of the two amino acids with regard to lysine metabolism is briefly discussed.