Comparative Studies on Chloroplast Development and Photosynthetic Activities in C_3- and C_4-plants. : III. Studies on Activities of Some Enzymes Concerned with CO_2 Fixation Following the Chloroplast Development in Barley and Maize Leaves.

This study is undertaken to investigate the activities of RuBP carboxylage, Ru5P kinase, PEP carboxylase, NADP malate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase following the chloroplast development in barley and maize leaves. RuBP carboxylase and RusP kinase are closely associated with the chloroplast development in barley and maize leaves, and both the activities are much higher in barley than in maize leaves. Activities of PEP carboxylase and NADP malate dehydrogenase are gradually increased throughout the chloroplast development in maize, but not in barley leaves. Activities of aspartate aminotransferase are not changed during the chloroplast development in both leaves of barley and maize plants. Activities of enzymes associated with the chloroplast development are gradually increased after 3-6 hours of lag phase, which is closely correlated with the chloroplast development and CO_2 fixation