Steps in the acquisition of photosynthetic competence by plastids of maize.

Coupling factor particles are associated with membranes of maize etioplasts (Lockshin et al., 1971. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 226: 366-382). In addition, several, but not all, of the polypeptides found in the photosynthetic lamellae of maize chloroplasts are present in etioplasts.During the photoregulated maturation of chloroplasts from etioplasts, the membranes of the organelle acquire the capacity to carry on acid to base phosphorylation. The acquisition of this ability is closely correlated with the development of osmotic responsiveness and the appearance of a 46,000 dalton polypeptide in the membranes.