ISSN:
1399-3054
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Latex isolated from laticifer cells of Euphorbia lathyris maintained its ability to synthesize triterpenols (and their esters) from acetate. When the latex was centrifugated at 5 000 g for 15 min. this biosynthetic activity could be subdivided into two separate fractions; the acetate to β-hydroxymethyl glutaryl-coenzyme A activity remained in the supernatant, while the β-hydroxymethyl glutaryl-coenzyme A to triterpenol activity was pelleted. Further purification of the pellet by isopycnic centrifugation on Percoll gradients yielded at least three particles: latex particles, starch grains, and a single membrane-bound organelle. Electron micrographs were made of all of these latex particles. The single membrane-bound organelle was only observed in the region of the density gradient that exhibited the ability to incorporate mevalonic acid into the triterpenoids. In addition, the enzyme β-hydroxymethyl glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (EC 1.1.1.34) was found in the 5000 g pellet, while β-hydroxymethyl glutaryl-coenzyme A lyase (EC 4.1.3.4) remained in the supernatant.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-3054.1988.tb00636.x
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