Two forms of NADP-dependent malic enzyme in expanding maize leaves

Etiolated maize leaves (Zea mays L.) contain a major isozyme of NADP-dependent malic enzyme (L-malate dehydrogenase, decarboxylating, EC 1.1.1.40) having an isoelectric point of 5.28±0.03, a Km (L-malate) 0.3-0.6 mM at pH 7.45; a broad pH optimum around pH 6.9 under the conditions of assay; a molecular weight of 280,000 (sometimes accompanied by a minor component of 150,000); and an NAD-dependent activity about 1/50 the NADP-dependent activity. This isozyme, resembling the NADP-malic enzyme of vertebrates, is labeled type 1. The dominant isozyme of young green leaves (type 2) has, however, a pI 4.90±0.03, a Km (L-malate) 0.10-0.15 mM, a pH optimum of 8, and a molecular weight of 280,000. It is also more stable and exhibits an appreciable NAD-dependent activity (1/5-1/7 the NADP activity). Both isozymes show linear kinetics, dependence on Mn or Mg ions, similar Km (NADP(+)), and the typical increase of Km for L-malate with increasing pH values. Type 1 isozyme of maize is assumed to be cytosolic. Type 2 corresponds in each property to the chloroplast enzyme of bundle-sheath cells. It is present at a low level in etiolated leaves and develops to a high specific activity (up to 100 nmol min(-1) mg protein(-1) by 150 h illumination) during photosynthetic differentiation, replacing the type 1 form.