Internal Distribution of Coenzyme Q in Higher Plants.

Abstract

Coenzyme Q10 and a new quinone, Q254, occur generally in higher plants. Particulate fractions from spinach (Spinacea) leaves, the white and green portions of Pandanus vetchii leaves, and the roots and shoots of corn (Zea) seedlings have been examined with respect to the amount of coenzyme Q and Q254 present. Coenzyme Q is found in both white and green tissue and appears to be concentrated in mitochondria, whereas Q254 is concentrated in chloroplasts and chloroplast-containing tissue. Methods for estimation of coenzyme Q and Q254 in plant tissue are described, and the pattern of distribution of these quinones in plants and animals is discussed. It is proposed that coenzyme Q is involved in mitochondrial electron transport and that Q254 may be involved in photo synthetic electron transport.