Role of Phospholipid Transfer Protein in the Exchange of Phospholipids between Microsomes and Chloroplasts

Abstract

When microsomes containing phosphatidylcholine labelled with [1-14C]-linoleate were incubated with pea or spinach chloroplasts, active transfer of this phospholipid took place in the presence of phospholipid transfer protein. This transfer also was demonstrated by incubating unlabelled microsomes, chloroplasts and the phospholipid transfer protein in the presence of [1-14C]-acetate. The reconstituted systems could synthesize fatty acids which were acylated in microsomal phosphatidylcholine. The transfer of this phospholipid to chloroplasts is mediated by the transfer protein. Our results suggest a role for phospholipid transfer protein in the synthesis of chloroplast lipids.