Organization of enzymes in human erythrocyte membranes

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Studies were directed at determining whether there was a specific organization of enzymes in erythrocyte membranes. Membranes prepared in the absence of Mg++ which were disrupted by exposure to sonic vibrations on lipid-active agents underwent an increase in activity of phosphoglycerate kinase but not glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase. When membranes which were prepared in the presence of Mg++ were disrupted by sonic oscillations and lipid-active agents, there were relatively large increases in activity of both phosphoglycerate kinase and glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase. The data are interpreted as showing that membrane phosphoglycerate kinase was oriented toward the lipid core of the membrane, whereas membrane glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase was directed toward the interior of the srythrocyte. It is postulated that this organization of enzymes in erythrocyte membranes might function by providing ATP for pump ATPase.