Aspects of 8-[C]Benzylaminopurine Metabolism in Phaseolus vulgaris.

Phaseolus vulgaris L. plants were supplied through the root with [8-(14)C]benzylaminopurine ([(14)C]BA). Collections of root, apex, and leaves were made 8 and 48 hours after labeling; ethanolic extracts of tissues were purified and subjected to thin layer chromatography on silica gel and/or cellulose powder.From [(14)C]BA at least two different metabolites originate, the BA riboside and ribotide. The balance among [(14)C]BA, the riboside, and the ribotide changed in time. The [(14)C]BA riboside was detected as the only labeled compound in the xylem sap collected from the stem. The biological function of BA riboside and ribotide is discussed.