Glycolytic enzymes in non-photosynthetic plastids of pea (Pisum sativum L.) roots

The presence of the glycolytic enzymes from hexokinase to pyruvate kinase in plastids of seedling pea (Pisum sativum L.) roots was investigated. The recoveries, latencies and specific activities of each enzyme in different fractions was compared with those of organelle marker enzymes. Tryptic-digestion experiments were performed on each enzyme to determine whether activities were bound within membranes. The results indicate that hexokinase (EC 2.7.1.2) and phosphoglyceromutase (EC 5.4.2.1) are absent from pea root plastids. The possible function of the remaining enzymes is considered.Abbreviations GADPH glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase - PFK phosphofructokinase - PFP pyrophosphate: fructose 6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferaseBronwen A. Trimming gratefully acknowledges the award of a studentship from the Science and Engineering Research Council