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Metabolism and Enzymology

Chloroplast Biogenesis 65 ¹

Enzymic Conversion of Protoporphyrin IX to Mg-Protoporphyrin IX in a Subplastidic Membrane Fraction of Cucumber Etiochloroplasts

Laboratory of Plant Pigment Biochemistry and Photobiology, 240A PABL, 1201 West Gregory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801

The preparation from Percoll-purified cucumber (Cucumis sativus)etiochloroplasts of a subplastidic membrane fraction that is capable of high rates of Mg insertion into protoporphyrin IX is described. The plastid stroma was inactive when used either alone or in combination with the membrane fraction. Successful preparation of the subplastidic membrane fraction required that Mg-protoporphyrin chelatase was first stabilized by its substrate. This was achieved by lysing Percoll-purified plastids in a fortified hypotonic medium containing protoporphyrin IX prior to ultracentrifugation and separation of the stroma from the plastid membranes. Protoporphyrin IX became membrane bound. Other additives needed for enzyme activity fell into two groups: (a) those needed for enzyme stabilization during membrane preparation and (b) those involved in the primary mechanism of Mg insertion into protoporphyrin IX. Ethylenediaminetetraacetate belonged to the first group, magnesium belonged to the second group, and ATP belonged to both groups.

¹ Supported by National Science Foundation Research Grant DCB 88-05624, by funds from the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station, and by the John P. Trebellas Photobiotechnology Research Endowment to C.A.R.

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