Metabolism of trans-Aconitic Acid in Maize : II. Regulatory Properties of Two Compartmented Forms of Citrate Dehydrase.

Kinetics of two molecular forms of K-dependent citrate dehydrase in maize (Zea mays L.) are reported. The isozymes, designated CD I and CD II, were found to be compartmented in mitochondria and cytosol, respectively.CD I exhibited hyperbolic kinetics with respect to both citrate and potassium with K(m) 2.3 and 12 millimolar, respectively. Maximum velocity was 0.38 micromole of trans-aconitic acid per minute per milligram protein. The pH optimum was 7.2. trans-aconitic synthesis by CD I is regulated by both citrate concentration and pH.CD II exhibited hyperbolic kinetics with respect to citrate (K(m) 0.6 millimolar) but sigmoidal kinetics with respect to potassium. trans-aconitic acid synthesis by CD II is regulated by potassium. This may account for the positive correlation between leaf potassium and trans-aconitic acid in certain grasses (Clark 1968 Crop Sci 8: 165).