Synthesis of seven different homologous phytochelatins in metal‐exposed <i>Schizosaccharomyces pombe</i> cells

Abstract

The family of heavy metal‐sequestering peptides with the formula (γ‐Glu‐Cys) n Gly; n = 2–8), the phytochelatins (PCs), are not restricted to higher plants. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe the occurrence of two of these peptides has previously been reported. Reinvestigation of the peptide pattern of the heavy metal‐exposed fission yeast led to the discovery of five additional peptides, a pattern which now corresponds qualitatively exactly to the one in higher plants. From the kinetics of induction we propose that PCs are synthesized by consumption of glutathione or its biosynthetic precursor.