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Autocatalysis in a reconstituted chloroplast system.

D A Walker¹, R M Lilley

¹Department of Botany, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, England.

Plant Physiology

|December 1, 1974

Summary

Photosynthesis shows a lag phase due to autocatalysis. This study observed autocatalysis in a reconstituted chloroplast system, demonstrating high rates of photophosphorylation essential for carbon fixation.

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Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Plant Physiology
Photosynthesis Research

Background:

Photosynthesis in intact systems exhibits a lag phase before reaching maximal rates.
This delay is hypothesized to result from the autocatalytic buildup of carbon cycle intermediates.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the phenomenon of autocatalysis in photosynthesis.
To demonstrate autocatalysis in a reconstituted chloroplast system.

Main Methods:

Utilized envelope-free chloroplasts supplemented with ferredoxin and stromal proteins.
Employed catalytic amounts of ATP and NADP.
Measured CO(2)-dependent O(2) evolution using ribose 5-phosphate as a substrate.

Main Results:

Autocatalysis was successfully observed in the reconstituted system.
High rates of "endogenous" or ferredoxin-dependent photophosphorylation were recorded, reaching up to 360 µmol orthophosphate esterified mg⁻¹ chlorophyll hr⁻¹.

Conclusions:

The study provides direct evidence for autocatalysis in photosynthesis.
The reconstituted system effectively mimics the lag phase observed in vivo, highlighting the role of carbon cycle intermediates.

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