Changes in Levels of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase with Induction of Crassulacean Acid Metabolism in Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.

1979 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 589 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Winter

Induction of crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) in Mesembryanthemum crystallinum in response to high salinity was studied in plants grown in different CO2 regimes to determine whether the induction of CAM could be controlled by CO2 supply in the light and dark; a possible consequence of stomatal closure in response to water stress. The activity of extractable phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.31) and the nocturnal change in malate content were followed at frequent intervals after onset of the treatments. The results suggest that the initial event during the induction of CAM is a change in the biochemical apparatus, indicated by the activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, which then leads to the day/night fluctuations of malate synthesis typical of CAM. This initial step is not controlled by the availability of CO2 in the light or dark.


1981 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 115 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Winter

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.31) in desalted extracts from the inducible crassulacean acid metabolism plant M. crystallinum exists in a highly malate-sensitive state when isolated from plants in the light, and after isolation rapidly changes into a less sensitive state typical of the dark period. Loss of sensitivity to malate inhibition after isolation is largely prevented when the enzyme is extracted and stored at acid pH and in the presence of malate. This demonstrates that, in addition to its effect as a strong inhibitor of enzyme catalysis during the light, malate may also maintain the highly malate-sensitive state of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase during the light, particularly in combination with a lowered cytoplasmic pH. These experiments also establish conditions necessary for the study of the molecular basis for the change in properties of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase.


2003 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 728-730 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.G. Nimmo

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plants exhibit persistent circadian rhythms of CO2 metabolism. These rhythms are driven by changes in the flux through phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, which is regulated by reversible phosphorylation in response to a circadian oscillator. This article reviews progress in our understanding of the circadian expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase.


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