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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
08:51
Utilizing the Ethylene-releasing Compound, 2-Chloroethylphosphonic Acid, as a Tool to Study Ethylene Response in Bacteria
Published on: November 10, 2016
Enzymes of ethylene biosynthesis
1MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824.
Plant Physiology
|September 1, 1989
Summary
This study reviews ethylene biosynthesis enzymes, focusing on 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase purification. The enzyme converting ACC to ethylene requires membrane integrity for activity, studied in vivo and vacuolar preparations.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Plant Physiology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Ethylene biosynthesis is a crucial plant process.
- Key enzymes in this pathway are often present in low concentrations.
- Understanding these enzymes is vital for controlling plant development and stress responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the properties of enzymes involved in ethylene biosynthesis.
- To describe the progress made in purifying these enzymes.
- To elucidate the characteristics of the enzyme responsible for converting ACC to ethylene.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of enzyme properties and purification.
- Purification of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase from various plant sources.
- In vivo studies and analysis of vacuolar preparations to understand the ACC-to-ethylene converting enzyme.
Main Results:
- 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase, the rate-limiting enzyme, has been purified despite low abundance.
- The enzyme converting ACC to ethylene is sensitive to homogenization due to membrane binding and requirement for membrane integrity.
- Enzyme properties were successfully studied in vivo and using vacuolar preparations.
Conclusions:
- Purification of ACC synthase has been achieved, advancing the study of ethylene biosynthesis.
- The membrane-bound nature of the ACC-to-ethylene converting enzyme presents challenges but allows for in vivo and specific preparation studies.
- Further research on these enzymes can lead to better control over plant ethylene production.
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