Arginine catabolism in the cotyledons of developing and germinating pea seeds.

Arginine is the predominant free amino acid in the cotyledons of developing seeds of Pisum sativum L. cv Marzia. Breakdown of arginine was measured by injecting l-[guanido-(14)C]arginine into detached cotyledons. Cotyledons of developing seeds showed a low rate of (14)CO(2) evolution whereas a much higher rate of (14)CO(2) evolution was measured from cotyledons of seeds 4 days after the onset of germination. The activities of the catabolic enzymes arginase, urease, and ornithine aminotransferase were measured throughout development and germination. Arginase and ornithine aminotransferase were present at an early stage of development. Urease activity appeared later as the seeds started to desiccate. During germination, all three enzymes were present. The different course of activity of these enzymes indicates that they are controlled separately.To explain the simultaneous presence of arginine and arginase without arginine degradation in the cotyledons of developing seeds, we propose a different intracellular localization of substrate and enzyme. In cotyledons of germinating pea seeds, urease has an enzymic function in arginine degradation.