BIOSYNTHESIS OF THE LYTHRACEAE ALKALOIDS .1. LYSINE-DERIVED FRAGMENT

The biosynthesis of decodine and decinine, Lythraceae alkaloids containing a trans-fused quinolizidine nucleus, was studied in intact plants of Decodon verticillatus (L.) Ell. Non-random incorporation of radioactivity from 14C-labeled samples of lysine, cadaverine, and .DELTA.1-piperideine was demonstrated by partial degradation. Pelletierine did not serve as a precursor of the alkaloids. It was also shown, by 3H,14C-labeled tracers, that the alkaloids are derived from L-lysine whereas pipecolic acid, which is present in the plant, is derived from D-lysine.