Cadaverine formation by specific lysine decarboxylation in Pisum sativum seedlings.

Cadaverine was found to be formed in Pisum sativum seedlings via a specific lysine decarboxylation pathway as revealed by specific inhibitor studies. Lysine decarboxylation activity was recorded in the meristems and non-meristematic tissue of the shoots and the roots. In the shoot elongation zone, the specific activity was double that in the other tissues and cadaverine level was 90-fold higher. The results presented in this study suggest possible regulatory control by polyamines of lysine decarboxylase activity in Pisum sativum seedlings.