Metabolism of mevalonic acid to phosphorylated intermediates in a cell-free extract from Nepeta cataria leaves

A cell-free extract has been prepared from leaves of Nepeta cataria plants which converts mevalonic acid (MVA) to mevalonic acid phosphate (MVAP), mevalonic acid pyrophosphate (MVAPP) and isopentenylpyrophosphate (IPP). These enzymes are found in the 30 000 g supernatant. The activities are maximal at pH 7 and the formation of mevalonic acid pyrophosphate and isopentenyl-pyrophosphate reaches a maximal level after an incubation time of 180 min whereas the level of mevalonic acid phosphate begins to decrease after 90 min.