Effect of NAD+ on Malate Oxidation in Intact Plant Mitochondria

Abstract
Potato [Solanum tuberosum L.] tuber mitochondria oxidizing malate respond to NAD+ addition with increased oxidation rates, while mung bean [Vigna radiata L.] hypocotyl mitochondria do not. This is traced to a low endogenous content of NAD+ in potato mitochondria, which prove to take up added NAD+. This mechanism concentrates NAD+ in the matrix space. Analyses for oxaloacetate and pyruvate (with pyruvate dehydrogenase blocked) are consistent with regulation of malate oxidation by the internal NAD+/NADH ratio.