Isolation and Oxidative Properties of Intact Mitochondria Isolated from Spinach Leaves

Abstract
A procedure was described for preparing intact mitochondria from spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) Leaves. These mitochondria oxidized succinate, malate, pyruvate, .alpha.-ketoglutarate and NADH with good respiratory control and ADP/O ratios comparable to those observed with mitochondria from other plant tissues. Glycine was oxidized by the preparations. This oxidation linked to the mitochondrial electron transport chain, was coupled to 3 phosphorylation sites and was sensitive to electron transport and phosphorylation inhibitors. Cyanide completely inhibited the oxidation of NADH. The oxidation of succinate, malate and glycine was only partially inhibited.