Pyrophosphorylases in Solanum tuberosum

ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase from potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers has been purified by hydrophobic chromatography on 3 aminopropyl-sepharose (Seph-C(3)-NH(2)). The purified preparation showed two closely associated protein-staining bands that coincided with enzyme activity stains. Only one major protein staining band was observed in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The subunit molecular weight was determined to be 50,000. The molecular weight of the native enzyme was determined to be 200,000. The enzyme appeared to be a tetramer consisting of subunits of the same molecular weight. The subunit molecular weight of the enzyme is compared with previously reported subunit molecular weights of ADPglucose pyrophosphorylases from spinach leaf, maize endosperm, and various bacteria. ADPglucose synthesis from ATP and glucose 1-P is almost completely dependent on the presence of 3-P-glycerate and is inhibited by inorganic phosphate. The kinetic constants for the substrates and Mg(2+) are reported. The enzyme V(max) is stimulated about 1.5- to 3-fold by 3 millimolar DTT. The significance of the activation by 3-P-glycerate and inhibition by inorganic phosphate ADPglucose synthesis catalyzed by the potato tuber enzyme is discussed.