Control of Pyruvate Metabolism in Spinach Chloroplasts by Exogenously Added Products and Coenzymes

Summary In intact spinach chloroplasts, the syntheses of fatty acids and of the branched chain amino acid valine competed for pyruvate as substrate. Addition of valine acted as a feedback inhibition of its own synthesis but promoted fatty acid synthesis. Addition of CoA-SH, ATP, and bicarbonate enhanced fatty acid synthesis but lowered valine synthesis.