Artificial Enrichment of Beet Root Tissue with Glutamine

Abstract

Summary

The glutamine content of beet root tissue to be used for the preparation of glutamine on the large scale can be materially increased if the roots of the plants with tops attached as purchased in the market are immersed in 0.15 M ammonium sulfate solution for from 4 to 6 days before being trimmed and extracted with water. Tissue that will yield 5 g or more of glutamine per kg can be prepared in this way. A demonstration is afforded that, contrary to earlier observations, significant losses of glutamine are experienced if beet root tissue is dried at 80°C in preparation for analysis.