Hormonal Control of Lecithin Synthesis in Barley Aleurone Cells: Regulation of the CDP-Choline Pathway by Gibberellin

Abstract

The enzymes of the cytidine diphosphate-choline pathway, which is involved in lecithin biosynthesis, are present in imbibed barley aleurone cells. The first enzyme, choline kinase (EC 2.7.1.32), is found in the soluble protein fraction. Its activity is not affected by prior treatment of aleurone layers with gibberellin. The second and third enzymes of the pathway, phosphorylcholine-cytidyl (EC 2.7.7.15) and phosphorylcholine-glyceride (EC 2.7.8.2) transferases, are associated with the particulate fractions. Their activities are greatly increased by gibberellin treatment during the lag phase (0-8 hr) of gibberellin-effected alpha-amylase synthesis. The hormonal effects are evident two hours after gibberellin treatment. Inhibitors that block gibberellin-effected alpha-amylase formation also inhibit the stimulation of these membrane-bound enzymes by the hormone.