Regulation of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase activity in leaves

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (EC 3.1.3.11) activity increased markedly (greater than 10-fold) upon illumination of wheat leaves. Darkening caused a relatively slow but complete reversal of light activation. The effects of O2 and CO2 concentration and light intensity on fructose-bisphosphatase activation were measured. In ratelimiting light, 2% O2 stimulated enzyme activity, whereas varying the CO2 concentration had little effect. In saturating light, lowering the oxygen tension had no effect, but CO2 at near-saturating concentrations for photosynthesis inhibited enzyme activity. Dark inactivation of the enzyme was completely prevented by incubation of leaves in N2, but was facilitated by O2, indicating that O2 is the major oxidant in darkened leaves. It is argued that while fructose bisphosphatase is redox-regulated in leaves, modulation of enzyme activity by this mechanism is unlikely to contribute to the regulation of CO2 fixation in leaves.