Localization of various stages of penicillin G biosynthesis in the subcellular structures of Penicillium chrysogenum PQ-96
Kurzatkowski, W.
Medycyna Doswiadczalna i Mikrobiologia 33(1): 15-29
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-8601 PMID: 6115997 Document Number: 171806
Enzymatic activity of some steps of penicillin G biosynthesis was determined in cell structures isolated from P. chrysogenum PQ-96. The .delta.-(.alpha.-aminoadipyl)cysteinylvaline tripeptide is synthesized in cisternae 200 nm in diameter, in which 92% of dipeptide synthetase and 72% of tripeptide synthetase activity occurred. Cisterns 100 nm in diameter showed highest activity (some 72%) of incorporation of the label from .delta.(.alpha. aminoadipyl)cysteinylvaline, labeled at carboxyl group of aminoadipinic acid, into the penicillin molecule. These citernae also showed high activity (72%) of acyl transferase. Cisterns 40 nm in diameter appeared to have little action in penicillin G biosynthesis. They accumulate the antibiotic and play an important role in its transport to the cytoplasmic membrane. Penicillin G may be released from the cell upon fusion of the cisternae 40 nm in diameters with the cell membrane.