Formation of dimethyl sulphide from <i>S</i>‐methylmethionine in onion seedlings (<i>Allium cepa</i>)

Abstract

Abstract Homogenates of onion seedlings catalyse the decomposition of S ‐methyl‐methionine into dimethyl sulphide and homoserine. The reaction is rather slow and seems not to be of primary importance in onion flavour formation or S ‐methylmethionine metabolism. Extracts of scarlet runner bean seedlings are also active, whereas dormant onion bulb and other seedlings tested showed no or very low activity.