2-AMINO-4-CARBOXYPYRIMIDINE IN SEEDS OF LATHYRUS-TINGITANUS

2-Amino-4-carboxypyrimidine, earlier identified as a substrate of the enzyme lathyrine synthase, and precursor of the pyrimidine moiety of t he non-protein amino acid lathyrine, has been shown to be present in s eeds of Lathyrus tingitanus. This pyrimidine, the natural occurrence o f which has not previously been demonstrated, was obtained by sequenti al chromatography and electrophoresis, and identified by co-chromatogr aphy and co-electrophoresis with an authentic sample. Identification w as confirmed by UV-absorption spectrophotometry and FAB-mass spectrome try. Demonstration of the presence of 2-amino-4-carboxypyrimidine in s eeds of L. tingitanus consolidates previous studies elucidating the pa thway of lathyrine biosynthesis.