(S)-malate + NADP(+) = CO2 + NADPH + pyruvate H(+) + oxaloacetate = CO2 + pyruvate Divalent metal cations. Prefers magnesium or manganese. Slightly activated by succinate and aspartate. Repressed by fumarate, malate, oxaloacetate and glucose. kcat is 268.1 sec(-1) with NADP and malate as substrates (at pH 7.5). kcat is 237 sec(-1) with pyruvate as substrate (at pH 7). Optimum pH is 7.7. Homohexamers and homooctamers. Mostly expressed in flowers, and, to a lower extent, in stems. In leaves and stems, restricted to the trichomes and trichome basal cells. Also present in the stipules flanking the base of the inflorescence bract leaves and in the meristematic zone of developing lateral roots. In flowers, present in pollen and the abscission zone of developing siliques. During embryogenesis, present in the embryo at the globular and heart stages. Detected in the central vasculature of the siliques. During germination, only observed in stipules at the shoot apex and restricted to trichomes of the primary leaves. Belongs to the malic enzymes family.