(S)-malate + NADP(+) = CO2 + NADPH + pyruvate H(+) + oxaloacetate = CO2 + pyruvate Divalent metal cations. Prefers magnesium or manganese. kcat is 38.7 sec(-1) with NADP as substrate (at pH 7.5). Homohexamers and homooctamers. Specifically expressed in roots (only in steles of secondary roots). During embryogenesis, present only in the embryo from the torpedo stage onward. During germination, first restricted to the radicle to later become more pronounced in the root tip. Expressed in hypocotyl and cotyledons 5 days after imbibition. Belongs to the malic enzymes family.