Intracellular distribution of enzymes of the cytidine diphosphate choline pathway in castor bean endosperm.

The occurrence and subcellular distribution of enzymes of the cytidine diphosphate choline pathway of lecithin synthesis have been examined. Choline kinase (EC 2.7.1.32) was completely soluble, while phosphorylcholine-cytidyl transferase (EC 2.7.7.15) and phosphorylcholine-glyceride transferase (EC 2.7.8.2) were associated with particulate fractions. Although components sedimenting at 10,000 to 100,000 x g contained both enzymes, phosphorylcholine-cytidyl transferase and particularly phosphorylcholine-glyceride transferase were present in the 10,000 x g pellet, which contained the major organelles, mitochondria, and glyoxysomes. When the crude homogenate was centrifuged on a sucrose density gradient, four major bands of particulate protein were recovered. A band at density 1.24 g/cm(3) contained the glyoxysomes and was devoid of phosphorylcholine-cytidyl transferase and phosphorylcholine-glyceride transferase activity. Enzyme activity was barely detectable in the mitochondria, at density 1.18 g/cm(2). Phosphorylcholine-glyceride transferase was found almost exclusively in a sharp band at density 1.12 g/cm(3), and phosphorylcholinecytidyl transferase was found in the uppermost band at density 1.08 g/cm(3). Thus, for the synthesis of lecithin in their membranes, the glyoxysomes and mitochondria depend on enzymes elsewhere in the cell; the final two steps in lecithin formation occur, apparently exclusively, in separate particulate cell components.