The effect of light on ribulose diphosphate carboxylase in corn leaves

Abstract
The level of certain enzymes was compared in albino, etiolated, and normal corn leaves. It was found that malic dehydrogenase and peroxidase were highest in light-grown albinos. Ribulose-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase, considered a chloroplast enzyme, was present in increasing amounts in the order albino < etiolated green < green. The level of this enzyme corresponded to the degree of chloroplast ultrastructure as determined by electron microscopic examination and insoluble protein. Only light-grown normal leaves had high catalase activity. All plants responded to light by an increased level of soluble protein, but only normal (i.e. non-albino) leaves showed an increase in insoluble protein. At least part of the higher soluble protein level could be accounted for by an electrophoretically distinct protein found only in light-grown plants.