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The mechanism of Rubisco activase: Insights from studies of the properties and structure of the enzyme

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Abstract

Rubisco, the primary carboxylating enzyme in photosynthesis, must be activated to catalyze CO2 fixation. The concept of an ‘activase’, a specific protein for activating Rubisco, was first introduced in 1985 based largely on biochemical and genetic studies of a high CO2-requiring mutant of Arabidopsis (Salvucci et al. (1985) Photosynth Res 7: 193–201). Over the past ten years, details about the occurrence, structure, and properties of Rubisco activase have been elucidated. However, the mechanism of action of Rubisco activase remains elusive. This review discusses the need for and function of Rubisco activase and summarizes information about the properties and structure of Rubisco activase. The information is evaluated in the context of the mechanism of Rubisco activase.

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Abbreviations

CA1-P:

carboxyarabinitol 1-phosphate

PS:

photosystem

Rubisco:

ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase

RuBP:

ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate

XuBP:

xylulose 1,5-bisphosphate

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Western Cotton Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, 4135 E. Broadway Road, 85040-8830, Phoenix, AZ

    Michael E. Salvucci

  2. Photosynthesis Research Unit, 61801-3838, Urbana, IL, USA

    William L. Ogren

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  1. Michael E. Salvucci
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  2. William L. Ogren
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Salvucci, M.E., Ogren, W.L. The mechanism of Rubisco activase: Insights from studies of the properties and structure of the enzyme. Photosynth Res 47, 1–11 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00017748

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