Ureide production is a specialized form of nitrogen metabolism that is very prominent in soybean and certain other legumes. Ureides are nitrogen-rich compounds that are important in transporting nitrogen from one part of the plant to another. In this study we are conducting basic research to examine the expression and distribution of allantoinase, an enzyme involved in both the production and utilization of ureides in soybean. These studies will identify the cellular structures involved in ureide production in germinating soybean seeds and will clarify the importance of ureide metabolism in development and establishment of the soybean seedling.//
