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Coenzyme A and Aldolase in Rubber-bearing Plants

Nature volume 181, pages 628–629 (1958)Cite this article

Abstract

THERE is evidence that the biosynthesis of rubber from carbon dioxide and water in Parthenium argentatum 1 may proceed through acetate and β-methylcrotonate, and that acetate can also act as a precursor of rubber in Hevea brasiliensis 2. Co-enzyme A probably plays a vital part in the process. Information on the enzyme systems operating and on the co-factors actually present in rubber-bearing plants is very scanty. Coenzyme A has been reported3 to be present in the seeds of Cryptostegia spp., of Hevea, and in various organs of Taraxacum kok-saghyz. The complete enzyme system required to incorporate acetate into rubber hydrocarbon is present in Hevea latex 2; but its make-up is not yet known. This communication reports observations on coenzyme A in Hevea and Taraxacum, and also on aldolase, which was originally selected for study as an enzyme capable of forming carbon–carbon linkages.

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Author notes

  1. W. G. OVEREND

    Present address: Birkbeck College, University of London,

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemistry Department, The University, Birmingham, 15

    J. A. GASCOIGNE & W. G. OVEREND

  2. Rubber Research Institute of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaya

    G. F. J. MOIR

  3. Department of Pharmacology and Medical Biochemistry, University of Birmingham,

    G. HÜBSCHER

Authors
  1. J. A. GASCOIGNE
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  2. W. G. OVEREND
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  3. G. F. J. MOIR
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  4. G. HÜBSCHER
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GASCOIGNE, J., OVEREND, W., MOIR, G. et al. Coenzyme A and Aldolase in Rubber-bearing Plants. Nature 181, 628–629 (1958). https://doi.org/10.1038/181628a0

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