Synthesis of 4-carboxy-2-polyprenylphenols by a particulate fraction of baker's yeast

The preparation ofa cell-free homogenate and 10000 g particulate fraction with polyprenylpyrophosphate-p-hydroxybenzoate polyprenyltransferase activity from 0 to 7-day-old blocks of compressed baker's yeast is described. The synthesis of 4-carboxy-2-triprenylphenol from p-hydroxybenzoate and FPP by the particulate fraction has been studied in some detail. In particular it has been shown that the transferase catalysing the reaction is activated by Mg²⁺, has a pH optima of 7 and is inhibited by phosphate buffer. Intracellular distribution studies have established that in freshly grown cells of Saccharomyces carlsbergensis the greater part of the polyprenyl transferase activity is present in the mitochondria.