The multigenic family of monogalactosyl diacylglycerol synthases

Because the synthesis of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) is unique to p lants, identified as an important marker of the plastid envelope, involved in a key step of plastid biogenesis and is the most abundant lipid on earth , MGDG synthase activity was extensively analysed at the biochemical and ph ysiological levels. In the present paper, ave present our current knowledge on the MGDG synthase's function, structure and topology in envelope membra nes, and discuss possible roles in plant cell glycerolipid metabolism. The recent discovery of a multigenic family of MGDG synthases raised the possib ility that multiple isoenzymes might carry out MGDG synthesis in various ti ssues and developmental stages.