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Microsomal membranes catalyze the formation of xyloglucan from UDP-Glc and UDP-Xyl by cooperative action of [alpha]-xylosyltransferase and [beta]-glucan synthase activities. Here we report that etiolated pea microsomes contain an [alpha]-xylosyltransferase that catalyzes the transfer of xylose from UDP-[[sup.14]C]xylose onto [beta](1,4)-linked glucan chains. The solubilized enzyme had the capacity to transfer xylosyl residues onto cello-oligosaccharides having 5 or more glucose residues. Analysis of the data from these biochemical assays led to the identification of a group of Arabidopsis genes and the hypothesis that one or more members of this group may encode [alpha]-xylosyltransferases involved in xyloglucan biosynthesis. To evaluate this hypothesis, the candidate genes were expressed in Pichia pastoris and their activities measured with the biochemical assay described above. One of the candidate genes showed cello-oligo-saccharide-dependent xylosyltransferase activity. Characterization of the radiolabeled products obtained with cellopentaose as acceptor indicated that the pea and the Arabidopsis enzymes transfer the [sup.14]C-labeled xylose mainly to the second glucose residue from the nonreducing end. Enzymatic digestion of these radiolabeled products produced results that would be expected if the xylose was attached in an [alpha](1,6)-linkage to the glucan chain. We conclude that this Arabidopsis gene encodes an [alpha]-xylosyltransferase activity involved in xyloglucan biosynthesis.

Examines the role of an Arabidopsis gene encoding an α-xylosyltransferase on xyloglucan biosynthesis. Importance of microsomal membranes on the formation of xyloglucan; Presence of cello-oligosaccharide-dependent xylosyltransferase activity; Characterization of the radiolabeled products.