Regulation of galactokinase (GAL1) enzyme accumulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The regulation of GAL1 RNA and enzyme synthesis has been investigated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We have shown that the induction of GAL10 and GAL1 RNAs is coordinate. GAL1 RNA transcripts appear within 4.5 to 6 min and galactokinase synthesis within 6 to 9 min. Steady-state RNA levels were reached within 50 min and the steady-state rate of galactokinase enzyme synthesis within 40-50 min. From these kinetic studies, the initial induction of GAL1 enzyme activity is apparently under transcriptional control. In addition, during early induction, two galactokinase enzyme activities were detected; a major stable form and a minor unstable form.