Subcellular localization and ionic properties of acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase in the electric organ of Torpedo marmorata.

Acetyl-CoA synthetase activity was shown to be present in pure cholinergic synaptosomes from electric organ of Torpedo marmorata. After osmotic disruption of synaptosomes a substantial part of the activity was recovered in the soluble fraction. The effects of varying pH and increasing K+ concentrations on the synaptosomal enzyme activity were shown to differ from those observed with the mitochondrial enzyme. Whereas this latter enzyme showed optimal activity above pH 8.5, and a maximal activation in the presence of 120 mM-K+, the synaptosomal enzyme exhibited an optimal activity at pH 7.9 and a moderate K+ stimulatory effect with an optimal concentration of 30 mM.