ISSN:
1432-1432
Keywords:
Evolution
;
Drosophila
;
Temperature
;
Mitochondrial enzymes
;
Kinetic properties
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary The evolutionary behavior of two mitochondrial enzymes (L-glycerol 3-phosphate:cytochrome c oxidoreductase E.C.1.1.1.95,αGPO, and L-malate: NAD+ oxidoreductase, E.C.1.1.1.37, m-MDH) obtained from several temperate and tropicalDrosophila species was examined by comparing their catalytic properties, which related to temperature (Km-Ea-Q10-Thermostability). MitochondrialαGPO or m-MDH obtained either from temperate or from tropical species was found to exhibit similar catalytic properties while for both cytosolic enzymes, theαGPDH and s-MDH, Km patterns were similar among species from the same thermal habitat and different between thermal habitats. In combination with other observations reported in the literature these facts support the view that the function, and probably the structure, of mitochondrial enzymes are better conserved in evolution than those of the corresponding enzymes found in the cytosol. It is proposed that the relative invariance of the mitochondrial enzymes structure is probably linked to a necessary relative invariance of molecular interactions inside the mitochondrion.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01732068
