Localization of Mg-Chelatase and Mg-Protoporphyrin IX Monomethyl Ester (Oxidative) Cyclase Activities within Isolated, Developing Cucumber Chloroplasts

Magnesium chelatase and magnesium protoporphyrin IX monomethyl ester (oxidative) cyclase activities were both sensitive to inhibition by p-chloromercuribenzoate in intact, developing cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. var Beit Alpha) chloroplasts. Magnesium chelatase was also sensitive to the membrane-impermeable mercurial p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate (PCMBS), while cyclase activity was only slightly sensitive. When the plastids were pretreated with PCMBS, triosephosphate dehydrogenase activity was inhibited very slightly, indicating that PCMBS does not readily penetrate through the chloroplast envelope. These results suggest that magnesium chelatase is located in the chloroplast envelope, while the cyclase is located deeper within the chloroplast.