Enzymic Decarboxylation of Oxalate by Extracts of Plant Tissue

Abstract

An enzyme system present in extracts of a number of plant tissues catalyses an adenosine tri-phosphate[long dash] and coenzyme A-dependent decarboxylation of oxalate to formate. Glutathione, thiamin pyrophosphate, and divalent cations stimulate the reaction. Evidence is presented that the initial activation of oxalate proceeds directly via a thiokinase. The mechanism and possible physiological role of the reaction are discussed.