The interaction between a coenzyme derivative, 4'-N-(2,4-dinitro-5-fluorophenyl)-pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate, and the apoenzyme of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase, was studied by circular dichroism. The specific complexes initially formed were characterized by their circular dichroic spectra. The spectra indicate that the complex is very probably the same for the two isoenzymes. In contrast the spectra recorded during further reaction, in agreement with previous results, monitor different reaction paths and characterize the irreversible labeling at the active site of the cytoplasmic enzyme and regeneration of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate in the mitochondrial enzyme. By following circular dichroic changes in the mitochondrial enzyme, initial kinetic characterization of the cleavage of 4'-N-(2,4-dinitro-5-fluorophenyl)-pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate to form pyridoxal 5'-phosphate at the active site, is provided.