Import of precursor proteins into Vicia faba mitochondria

Abstract

The ADP/ATP translocator from Vicia faba and β F 1-ATPase from Neurospora crassa were imported into plant mitochondria from a wheat germ and a rabbit reticulocyte translation system. Incubation of Vicia mitochondria in postribosomal supernatants of the translation reactions resulted in import of the ADP/ATP translocator. Precursor to the β-subunit of the F 1-ATPase from N. crassa was imported and processed by the Vicia mitochondria. Import into a protease-protected location was abolished by the inclusion of apyrase or valinomycin in the import mixtures. The Neurospora β-subunit precursor showed post-maturation processing to a protein with a molecular mass equivalent to that of the plant β-subunit.