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Distribution and Properties of a Potassium-dependent Asparaginase Isolated from Developing Seeds of Pisum sativum and Other Plants ¹

Peter J. Lea and Benjamin J. Miflin

Departamento de Fisiologia Vegetal, Instituto de Biologia, UNICAMP 13100 Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, Department of Biochemistry, Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ United Kingdom

Asparaginase (EC 3.5.1.1) was isolated from the developing seed of Pisum sativum. The enzyme is dependent upon the presence of K⁺ for activity, although Na⁺ and Rb⁺ may substitute to a lesser extent. Maximum activity was obtained at K⁺ concentrations above 20 millimolar. Potassium ions protected the enzyme against heat denaturation. The enzyme has a molecular weight of 68,300.

Asparaginase activity developed initially in the testa, with maximum activity (3.6 micromoles per hour per seed) being present 13 days after flowering. Maximum activity (1.2 micromoles per hour per seed) did not develop in the cotyledon until 21 days after flowering. Glutamine synthetase and glutamate dehydrogenase were also present in the testae and cotyledons but maximum activity developed later than that of asparaginase.

Potassium-dependent asparaginase activity was also detected in the developing seeds of Vicia faba, Phaseolus multiflorus, Zea mays, Hordeum vulgare, and two Lupinus varieties. No stimulation of activity was detected with the enzyme isolated from Lupinus polyphyllus, which has previously been shown to contain a K⁺-independent enzyme.

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