Chloroplasts contain lipoprotein particles termed plastoglobules. Plastoglobules are
generally believed to have little function beyond lipid storage. Here we report on the
identification of plastoglobule proteins using mass spectrometry methods in Arabidopsis
thaliana. We demonstrate specific plastoglobule association of members of the plastid lipid-
associated proteins/fibrillin family as well as known metabolic enzymes, including the
tocopherol cyclase (VTE1), a key enzyme of tocopherol (vitamin E) synthesis. Moreover …