Immunocytochemical analysis of poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) synthase in Alcaligenes eutrophus H16: localization of the synthase enzyme at the surface of PHB granules

Abstract

Antibodies raised against the Alcaligenes eutrophus poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) synthase polypeptide were used for immunocytochemical localization of the synthase enzyme in whole cells and purified PHB granules. The data presented demonstrate for the first time that the synthase enzyme is located on the surface of the PHB granule rather than being incorporated inside the granule during its formation. From these basic observations and data from the recent literature, a model of granule assembly is proposed.