Purification and characterization of an a type phospholipase from potato and its effect on potato mitochondria.

A potato (Solanum tuberosum) phospholipid acyl-hydrolase, which - in the pH range 7.5 to 8.5-is at least 10,000 times more effective with phospholipids than with galactolipids, has been purified and characterized. It is a soluble enzyme readily distinguished from a neutral lipid lipase and a third lipid acyl-hydrolase which, while acting on phospholipid, shows a decided preference for glyceryl monoolein. The phospholipase in question has a pH optimum of 8.5, is stimulated by Ca(2+) at pH above 7.5 and inhibited by Ca(2+) at lower pH, is not dependent on detergents although stimulated by Triton X-100 to a moderate extent, and remains very active at temperatures close to zero. The phospholipids of intact potato mitochondria are highly susceptible to degradation by potato phospholipase, and it is suggested that this enzyme is involved in the extensive lipid breakdown which occurs in fresh potato slices following cutting, and in the deterioration of mitochondria during their preparation and aging.