A Group Translocator for Sucrose Assimilation in Tonoplast Vesicles of Sugarcane Cells

Existence of a group translocator for sucrose transfer into vacuoles of sugarcane (Saccharum sp.) cells has been further confirmed by the use of tonoplast vesicles isolated from intact vacuoles. The group translocator depends on external UDP-Glucose (Glc) and, via a series of enzymic reactions within the tonoplast, sucrose phosphate and sucrose are deposited inside the vesicles. Fructose-6-phosphate was not required for UDP-Glc uptake, nor was it taken up. None of the other sugar phosphates tested were taken up nor were the nucleotide sugars, UDP-Galactose and ADP-Glc. The uptake of UDP-Glc was concentration-dependent with a K(m) of 1.2 millimolar and a V(max) of 83.3 nanomoles per minute per milligram protein. The optimum pH for UDP-Glc uptake was 7.0. Uptake of UDP-Glc was inhibited by para-chloromercuribenzene-sulfonic acid, UDP, and GDP; carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone inhibited to a lesser extent.