GAMMA-GLUTAMYL-S-ETHENYLCYSTEINE - A DIPEPTIDE FROM VICIA-NARBONENSIS

gamma-Glutamyl-S-ethenylcysteine has been isolated and crystallised fr om aqueous ethanolic extracts of the seeds of Narbon bean, (Vicia narb onensis). The gamma-glutamyl peptide is present at 0.7% in the Austral ian Temperate Crops Collection cultivar ATC 60105. Depending upon geno type and environment, seeds with up to 3% peptide have been observed. This photolabile peptide is the precursor responsible for the repulsiv e odour of germinating Narbon beans. It is a useful chemotaxonomic cha racter for Vicieae, as well.las a significant storage form of seed sur fur. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.