Optimal conditions for post-translational uptake of proteins by isolated chloroplasts. In vitro synthesis and transport of plastocyanin, ferredoxin-NADP+ oxidoreductase, and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase.

Many polypeptides translated in the cytosol enter the chloroplast where they assemble into macromolecular complexes. The transport of these polypeptides into the plastid can be examined in vitro by mixing isolated chloroplasts with pea poly(A) RNA translation products. Following optimization of both translation in the wheat germ system and the conditions during in vitro uptake, we observe the post-translational transport of over 100 polypeptides; many remain in the soluble phase of the organelle while others integrate into the thylakoid membranes. Most products transported in vitro co-migrate with in vivo products on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels. Furthermore, with the improved conditions, we demonstrate the transport of plastocyanin, ferredoxin-NADP+ oxidoreductase, and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase into isolated plastids. While we have not been able to detect any cell-free translation product that is immunologically related to fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, both plastocyanin and ferredoxin-NADP+ oxidoreductase are synthesized as precursors in vitro. These precursors are imported into the organelle where they are processed to the size of their mature counterparts. As determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the molecular weight of the precursor to plastocyanin is 15,000 larger than the mature product and the precursor to ferredoxin-NADP+ oxidoreductase is 8,000 larger than the mature product.