Distribution of the enzymes of nitrogen assimilation within the pea leaf cell

Protoplasts obtained from expanded leaves of Pisum sativum have been used for the isolation of cell organelles and the subsequent study of the intracellular distribution of the enzymes of nitrate assimilation. The protoplasts were ruptured in a suitable medium and the total lysate subjected to sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Of the total chlorophyll more than 80% was recovered in intact chloroplasts. Nitrite reductase and glutamate synthase were found to be located wholly in the chloroplast. Glutamine synthetase was distributed between the chloroplast and the cytoplasm, with a maximum of 60% of the former. A possible role of the cytoplasmic enzyme is discussed in relation to photorespiration. There was no evidence for the association of nitrate reductase with any cell organelle or membrane fraction.