phosphoribulokinase

Phosphoribulokinase (PRK) () is an essential photosynthetic enzyme that catalyzes the ATP-dependent phosphorylation of ribulose 5-phosphate (RuP) into ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP), both intermediates in the Calvin Cycle. Its main function is to regenerate RuBP, which is the initial substrate and CO2-acceptor molecule of the Calvin Cycle. PRK belongs to the family of transferase enzymes, specifically those transferring phosphorus-containing groups (phosphotransferases) to an alcohol group acceptor. Along with ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCo), phosphoribulokinase is unique to the Calvin Cycle. Therefore, PRK activity often determines the metabolic rate in organisms for which carbon fixation is key to survival. Much initial work on PRK was done with spinach leaf extracts in the 1950s; subsequent studies of PRK in other photosynthetic prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms have followed. The possibility that PRK might exist was first recognized by Weissbach et al. in 1954; for example, the group noted that carbon dioxide fixation in crude spinach extracts was enhanced by the addition of ATP. The first purification of PRK was conducted by Hurwitz and colleagues in 1956. ATP + Mg2+ - D-ribulose 5-phosphate \rightleftharpoons ADP + D-ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate center|thumb|700x700px|Reaction scheme for the regeneration of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate from ribulose 5-phosphate by phosphoribulokinase The two substrates of PRK are ATP and D-ribulose 5-phosphate, whereas its two products are ADP and D-ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate. PRK activity requires the presence of a divalent metal cation like Mg2+, as indicated in the reaction above.

== Structure == The structure of PRK is different in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prokaryotic PRK's typically exist as octamers of 32 kDa subunits, while eukaryotic PRK's are often dimers of 40 kDa subunits. Structural determinations for eukaryotic PRK have yet to be conducted, but prokaryotic PRK structures are still useful for rationalizing the regulation and mechanism of PRK. As of 2018, only two crystal structures have been resolved for this class of enzymes in Rhodobacter sphaeroides and Methanospirillum hungatei, with the respective PDB accession codes and 5B3F.[[File:RsPRK labeled.png|thumb|340x340px|Key residues that interact with RuP (labeled in blue) or with the hydroxyl group in RuP (red) within the active site of R. sphaeroides PRK. Generated from 1A7J. Click to view enlarged.]]