Synthesis of Amino Nitrogen from Ammonia in Hymenolepis diminuta. ∗

Abstract

Summary

1. H. diminuta, in the presence of alpha-ketoglutaric acid, pyruvic acid, or oxalacetic acid and ammonium ions is capable of synthesizing amino nitrogen. It appears that this synthesis is so biased that the pyruvic acid-alanine system is favored. 2. Glucose, through its degradation to intermediary keto acids, is also capable of serving as a substrate for the synthesis of amino nitrogen from ammonium nitrogen. The yield, however, does not approach that of the more direct systems. 3. Evidence is given to show that the tri-carboxylic cycle actively functions in the living intact worm.