A Cytochemical Study on the Pancreas of the Guinea Pig : VI. Release of Enzymes and Ribonucleic Acid from Ribonucleoprotein Particles

Ribonucleoprotein (RNP)¹ particles isolated by DOC treatment from pancreatic microsomes have a RNA content of 35 to 45 per cent of their dry weight. In the analytical ultracentrifuge about 85 per cent of the material has a sedimentation coefficient of ∼85 S. These particles contain amylase, RNase, and trypsin-activatable proteolytic activities which cannot be washed off or detached by incubation in 0.44 M sucrose. The enzymes are released, however, by incubation in the presence of low concentrations of ATP, PP, or EDTA, and high concentrations of IP and AMP. At the same time, and at the same concentrations, ∼80 per cent of the RNA and ∼25 per cent of the protein of the particles becomes also non-sedimentable. The simultaneous addition of Mg⁺⁺ to the incubation medium prevents these losses. This finding, together with the observation that all the Mg⁺⁺ of the particles is released by the same agents, makes it likely that Mg⁺⁺ holds the particles together, and that its removal by the chelators used causes the particles to disintegrate. These findings are discussed in relation to the molecular structure of the RNP particles.     

Effect of polyamines on the inhibition of peptidyltransferase by antibiotics: revisiting the mechanism of chloramphenicol action

Chloramphenicol is thought to interfere competitively with the binding of the aminoacyl-tRNA 3′-terminus to ribosomal A-site. However, noncompetitive or mixed-noncompetitive inhibition, often observed to be dependent on chloramphenicol concentration and ionic conditions, leaves some doubt about the precise mode of action. Here, we examine further the inhibition effect of chloramphenicol, using a model system derived from Escherichia coli in which a peptide bond is formed between puromycin and AcPhe-tRNA bound at the P-site of poly(U)-programmed ribosomes, under ionic conditions (6 mM Mg²⁺, 100 mM NH₄⁺, 100 µM spermine) more closely resembling the physiological status. Kinetics reveal that chloramphenicol (I) reacts rapidly with AcPhe-tRNA·poly(U)·70S ribosomal complex (C) to form the encounter complex CI which is then isomerized slowly to a more tight complex, C*I. A similar inhibition pattern is observed, if complex C modified by a photoreactive analogue of spermine, reacts in buffer free of spermine. Spermine, either reversibly interacting with or covalently attached to ribosomes, enhances the peptidyltransferase activity and increases the chloramphenicol potency, without affecting the isomerization step. As indicated by photoaffinity labeling, the peptidyltransferase center at which chloramphenicol binds, is one of the preferred cross-linking sites for polyamines. This fact may explain the effect of spermine on chloramphenicol binding to ribosomes.     

Isolation and biochemical characterization of nuclei from chick embryo liver

A procedure is described for the isolation of enzymatically active nuclei from chick embryo liver. It consists of the homogenization of the pooled tissue in 0.32 M sucrose-3 mM MgCl₂ followed by a slow centrifugation. The resulting nuclear pellet is then purified further in a discontinuous density gradient composed of sucrose solutions containing Mg²⁺ ions, the lower portion of the gradient being 2.2 M sucrose-1 mM MgCl₂. Based on DNA recovery, the nuclear fraction isolated by the procedure described contained an average of 62% of the nuclei in the original filtered homogenate. Light and electron microscope examinations showed that 90% of the isolated nuclei were derived from hepatocytes. They appeared intact with well preserved nucleoplasmic and nucleolar components, nuclear envelope, and pores. The isolated nuclei were quite pure, having a very low level of cytoplasmic contamination as indicated by cytoplasmic enzyme marker activities and electron microscope studies. The nuclear fraction consisted of 19.9% DNA, 6.2% RNA, 74% protein, the average RNA/DNA ratio being 0.32. Biosynthetic activities of the two nuclear enzymes NAD-pyrophosphorylase and DNA-dependent RNA polymerase were preserved. The specific activities of these enzymes were: NAD-pyrophosphorylase, 0.049 µmoles nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) synthesized/min per mg protein; Mg²⁺ activated RNA polymerase, 4.3 µµmoles UMP-2-C¹⁴ incorporated into RNA/µg DNA per 10 min; and Mn²⁺-(NH₄)₂SO₄ activated RNA-polymerase, 136 µµmoles UMP-2-C¹⁴ incorporated into RNA/µg DNA per 45 min.     

Characterization of Ribosomes from Neurospora crassa

Ribosomes isolated from growing hyphae of Neurospora crassa contain 53 per cent protein and 47 per cent RNA and have a sedimentation coefficient of 81S at 20°C and infinite dilution. These ribosomes are stable at pH 7.4 in the presence of 0.01 M and 0.002 M MgCl₂ but undergo a dissociation into smaller particles if the MgCl₂ concentration is lowered to 0.0001 M. Two types of RNA with sedimentation coefficients of 19S₂₀⁵⁰ and 13S₂₀⁵⁰ have been extracted from the 81S particles.     

The sedimentation behaviour of ribonuclease-active and -inactive ribosomes from bacteria

1. The `30s' and `50s' ribosomes from ribonuclease-active (Escherichia coli B) and -inactive (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Escherichia coli MRE600) bacteria have been studied in the ultracentrifuge. Charge anomalies were largely overcome by using sodium chloride–magnesium chloride solution, I 0·16, made 0–50mm with respect to Mg²⁺. 2. Differentiation of enzymic and physical breakdown at Mg²⁺ concentrations less than 5mm was made by comparing the properties of E. coli B and P. fluorescens ribosomes. 3. Ribonuclease-active ribosomes alone showed a transformation of `50s' into 40–43s components. This was combined with the release of a small amount of `5s' material which may be covalently bound soluble RNA. Other transformations of the `50s' into 34–37s components were observed in both ribonuclease-active and -inactive ribosomes at 1·0–2·5mm-Mg²⁺, and also with E. coli MRE600 when EDTA (0·2mm) was added to a solution in 0·16m-sodium chloride. 4. Degradation of ribonuclease-active E. coli B ribosomes at Mg²⁺ concentration 0·25mm or less was coincident with the formation of 16s and 21s ribonucleoprotein in P. fluorescens, and this suggested that complete dissociation of RNA from protein was not an essential prelude to breakdown of the RNA by the enzyme. 5. As high Cs⁺/Mg²⁺ ratios cause ribosomal degradation great care is necessary in the interpretation of equilibrium-density-gradient experiments in which high concentrations of caesium chloride or similar salts are used. 6. The importance of the RNA moiety in understanding the response of ribosomes to their ionic environment is discussed.     

ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS ON THE LARGE SUBUNIT OF THE RAT LIVER RIBOSOME

Active large subunits obtained by urea treatment of rat liver ribosomes, 59S, were compared with large subunits in intact ribosomes and with the 50S subunits obtained by EDTA treatment. For electron microscopy the specimens were negatively stained or shadow cast. The negatively stained 59S subunits had a slightly ovoidal form; their average dimensions, 244 ± 17 x 207 ± 18 A, were very close to the dimensions of the large subunits in intact ribosomes, and lay between the theoretical dimensions for anhydrous and fully hydrated particles that were calculated from the physical properties of the subunits in solution. The shadow-cast preparations showed particles of similar shape. The 50S subunits, which had lost their 5S RNA, were shadow cast at the same time. They appeared to be more spread out than the 59S subunits and had threadlike extensions. In the positively stained regions of uranyl oxalate-stained preparations the 50S particles varied greatly in shape and size, with average dimensions of 330 ± 21 x 276 ± 33 A, and showed threadlike extensions like those of the shadow-cast particles. For 50S particles in solution the frictional drag of these extensions probably accounts for their low sedimentation coefficient.     

Oxidation of spermine by an amine oxidase from lentil seedlings

Spermine is a substrate of lentil (Lens culinaris) seedling amine oxidase and the oxidation products are reversible inactivators of the enzyme. The spermine is oxidized at the terminal amino groups to a dialdehyde: 2 moles of hydrogen peroxide and 2 moles of ammonia per mole of spermine are formed. The pH optimum of the enzyme with spermine is 7.9 in TI-HCI buffer; the K_m value is 4.4·10⁻⁴ molar, similar to that found with other substrates (putrescine and spermidine).     

Studies of Ribosomal Diffusion Coefficients Using Laser Light-Scattering Spectroscopy

Using an optical beating technique, the diffusion coefficients and relative scattered intensity of Escherichia coli 70S, 50S, and 30S ribosomes are measured as a function of temperature and Mg²⁺ concentration. For solutions at 10 mM Mg²⁺ and between 0°C and about 40°C, the values of D_20,w obtained are 1.7, 1.9, and ≈2.1 × 10^-7 cm²/s, respectively. Preparative procedures drastically affect these values and equivalent hydrodynamic ellipsoids of revolution models give large axial ratios indicating extensive hydration or a deviation from the assumed shape. Calculations also indicate that the subunits expand upon dissociation. Measurements of D_20,w vs. temperature indicate that 70S particles undergo a conformational change prior to dissociation and can be heat dissociated at 30-32°C at low concentrations. Treatment of 70S ribosomes with EDTA causes a biphasic dissociation reaction. Addition of Mg²⁺ after dissociation with EDTA shows that longer waiting times yield fewer 70S particles and that even short waiting times may yield ribosomes differing from the native conformation. Addition of p-chloromercuribenzoic acid (PCMB) is shown to dissociate 70S particles, but to a lesser extent than ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).     

Effect of spermine on peptide-bond formation,catalyzed by ribosomal peptidyltransferase

The effect of spermine on the binding of AcPhe-tRNA to poly(U)-programmed ribosomes (step 1) and on the puromycin reaction (step 2) has been studied in a cell-free system, derived from E. coli.In the absence of ribosomal wash (FWR fraction) and at suboptimal concentration of Mg⁺⁺ (6 mM), spermine stimulated the binding of AcPhe-tRNA at least five fold, while at 10 mM Mg⁺⁺ there was a three fold stimulation. The above stimulatory effect was decreased at 6 mM Mg⁺⁺, or was abolished at 10 mM Mg⁺⁺ by the presence of FWR during the binding. Beside the stimulatory effect, spermine enhanced the stability of initiation complex AcPhe-tRNA-poly(U)-ribosome.In step 2, spermine affected the final degree of puromycin reaction and the activity status of peptidyltransferase. Both stimulatory and inhibitory effects have been observed, depending on the experimental conditions followed during the binding of the donor and during the peptide bond formation.     

THE INACTIVATION OF BACTERIOPHAGE BY MERCURY BICHLORIDE; THE REACTIVATION OF BICHLORIDE-INACTIVATED PHAGE

1. The inactivation of antistaphylococcus bacteriophage suspended in infusion broth at pH 7.6 and 22°C. by HgCl₂ proceeds according to the equation dP/dt = k [HgCl₂] [P_o – P_i] over the range studied. 2. This inactivation can be reversed by precipitation of Hg⁺⁺ with H₂S. In the present experiments the inactivation was carried out until only some 5 per cent of the initial phage remained active. After reactivation the [P] had increased to 100 per cent of the initial [P].     

THE INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURE ON THE UTILIZATION OF FOOD ENERGY IN BABY CHICKS

1. An optimum of environmental temperature is to be expected for the utilization of food energy in warm blooded animals if their food intake is determined by their appetite. 2. Baby chicks were kept in groups of five chicks in a climatic cabinet at environmental temperatures of 21°, 27°, 32°, 38°, and 40°C. during the period of 6 to 15 days of age. The intake of qualitatively complete food was determined by their appetite. Food intake, excretion, and respiratory exchange were measured. Control chicks from the same hatch as the experimental groups were raised in a brooder and were given the same food as the experimental chicks. The basal metabolism of each experimental group was determined from 24 to 36 hours without food at the age of 16 days. 3. The daily rate of growth increased with decreasing environmental temperature from 2.74 gm. at 40°C. to 4.88 gm. at 21°C. This was 4.2 to 6.5 per cent of their body weight. 4. The amount of food consumed increased in proportion to the decrease in temperature. 5. The availability of the food, used for birds instead of the digestibility and defined as See PDF for Structure showed an optimum at 38°C. 6. The CO₂ production increased from 2.95 liters CO₂ per day per chick at 40°C. to 6.25 liters at 21°C. Per unit of the 3/4 power of the body weight, 23.0 liters CO₂ per kilo^3/4 was produced at 40°C. and 43.4 liters per kilo^3/4 at 21°C. The CO₂ production per unit of 3/4 power of the weight increased at an average rate of approximately 1 per cent per day increase in age. The R.Q. was, on the average, 1.04 during the day and 0.92 during the night. 7. The net energy is calculated on the basis of C and N balances. A maximum of 11.8 Cal. net energy per chick per day was found at 32°C. At 21°C. only 6.9 Cal. net per day per chick was produced and at 40°C. an average of 6.7 Cal. 8. The composition of the gained body substance changed according to the environmental temperature. The protein stored per gram increase in body weight varied from 0.217 to 0.266 gm. protein and seemed unrelated to the temperature. The amount of fat per gram gain in weight dropped from a maximum of 0.153 gm. at 32°C. to 0.012 gm. at 21°C. and an average of 0.107 gm. at 40°C. The energy content per gram of gain in weight had its maximum of 2.95 Cal. per gm. at 38°C. and its minimum of 1.41 Cal. per gm. at 21°C. at which temperature the largest amount of water (0.763 gm. per gm. increase in body weight) was stored. 9. The basal metabolism increased from an average of 60 Cal. per kilo^3/4 at an environmental temperature of 40°C. to 128 Cal. per kilo^3/4 at 21°C. No indication of a critical temperature was found. 10. The partial efficiency, i.e. the increase in net energy per unit of the corresponding increase in food energy, seemed dependent on the environmental temperature, reaching a maximum of 72 per cent of the available energy at 38°C. and decreasing to 57 per cent at 21°C. and to an average of 60 per cent at 40°C. 11. The total efficiency, i.e. the total net energy produced per unit of food energy taken in, was maximum (34 per cent of the available energy) at 32°C., dropped to 16 per cent at 21°C., and to an average of 29 per cent at 40°C.     

The regulation of phosphoenolpyruvate synthesis in pigeon liver

1. The intracellular location and maximal activities of enzymes involved in phosphoenolpyruvate synthesis have been investigated in pigeon liver. Enolase and pyruvate kinase were cytoplasmic, and the activities were 50–60 and 180–210μmoles/min./g. dry wt. at 25° respectively. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase was present exclusively, and nucleoside diphosphokinase predominantly, in the mitochondria; the particles had to be disrupted to elicit maximal activities, which were 27–33 and 400–600μmoles/min./g. dry wt. at 25° respectively. The activities of all four enzymes did not change significantly during 48hr. of starvation. 2. Conditions for incubation of washed isolated mitochondria were established, to give high rates of synthesis of phosphoenolpyruvate, linear with time and proportional to mitochondrial concentration. Inorganic phosphate and added adenine nucleotides were stimulatory, whereas added Mg²⁺ inhibited, partly owing to activation of contaminant pyruvate kinase. Phosphoenolpyruvate formation occurred from oxaloacetate, malate, fumarate, succinate, α-oxoglutarate and citrate, in decreasing order of effectiveness. 3. The steady-state ATP/ADP ratio of mitochondrial suspensions was decreased in the presence of added 2·5mm-Mg²⁺ (owing to stimulation of adenylate kinase and possibly of an adenosine triphosphatase), 0·5mm-Ca²⁺ or 0·4mm-dinitrophenol. In each case the rate of substrate removal and oxygen uptake was increased, whereas phosphoenolpyruvate synthesis was inhibited. Citrate formation was enhanced, owing to de-inhibition of citrate synthase. These effects were not primarily related to changes in the oxaloacetate concentration. 4. Both phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and nucleoside diphosphokinase were active within the atractylosidesensitive barrier to the mitochondrial metabolism of added adenine nucleotides. There was no correlation between the rate of substrate-level phosphorylation associated with the oxidation of α-oxoglutarate, and the synthesis of phosphoenolpyruvate. 5. The results suggest that phosphoenolpyruvate formation in pigeon-liver mitochondria is regulated partly by the phosphorylation state of the adenine and guanine nucleotides, and partly by variations in the oxaloacetate concentration, all in the mitochondrial matrix. 6. Phosphoenolpyruvate is assumed to be the metabolite transported from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm during gluconeogenesis from oxaloacetate in pigeon liver.     

Characterization of a highly efficient protein synthesizing system derived from commercial wheat germ

A crude extract of commercial wheat germ is capable of translating mRNAs from widely different sources with high efficiencies. Of six wheat germs analyzed only one was found capable of a high level or incorporation with natural mRNAs. Under optimum conditions at a saturating level of Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) RNA (4.5 μg) and labeled amino acid, 68% of all the available ¹⁴C leucine is incorporated in 70 min. at 30°C with a stimulation of 425 fold above background (with an efficiency of 252 moles leucine/mole TMV RNA). Thus this system which is 30 fold more efficient for TMV translation than previous reported wheat germ cell free systems is capable of yielding 568 pmoles of ¹⁴C leucine incorporated into protein in a 50 μl assay. 80% of the proteins produced have a molecular weight greater than TMV coat protein (17,400). This level of incorporation requires optimization of extract concentration, pH, Mg⁺², K⁺ and spermine concentration as well as the method of extract preparation.     

Effect of ATP on the Calcium Efflux in Dialyzed Squid Giant Axons

Dialysis perfusion technique makes it possible to control the internal composition of squid giant axons. Calcium efflux has been studied in the presence and in the virtual absence (<5 µM) of ATP. The mean calcium efflux from axons dialyzed with 0.3 µM ionized calcium, [ATP]_i > 1,000 µM, and bathed in artificial seawater (ASW) was 0.24 ± 0.02 pmol·cm^-2·s^-1 (P/CS) (n = 8) at 22°C. With [ATP]_i < 5 µM the mean efflux was 0.11 ± 0.01 P/CS (n = 15). The curve relating calcium efflux to [ATP]_i shows a constant residual calcium efflux in the range of 1–100 µM [ATP]_i. An increase of the calcium efflux is observed when [ATP]_i is >100 µM and saturates at [ATP]_i > 1,000 µM. The magnitude of the ATP-dependent fraction of the calcium efflux varies with external concentrations of Na⁺, Ca⁺⁺, and Mg⁺⁺. These results suggest that internal ATP changes the affinity of the calcium transport system for external cations.     

Magnesium starvation of Aerobacter aerogenes. I. Changes in nucleic acid composition

Aerobacter aerogenes incubated in a medium containing all factors necessary for exponential growth except Mg⁺⁺ continued to synthesize nucleic acids and proteins for more than 70 hr, provided the major carbon source was in excess at all times. After 24 hr of Mg⁺⁺ starvation, deoxyribonucleic acid content in the culture had increased 10-fold. In contrast, the viable-cell count increased only about threefold during the first few hours and then remained approximately constant for the subsequent 70 hr. After specified intervals of Mg⁺⁺ starvation, extracts of the bacteria, or ribonucleic acid (RNA) purified from them, was centrifuged through gradients of sucrose to separate transfer RNA from ribosomal components. After correcting for losses, we obtained the following results. (i) There was a progressive rise in the content of transfer RNA competent to accept amino acids and during starvation it remained completely stable. (ii) In contrast, the contents of normally sedimenting ribosomal RNA and ribosomal subunits (30 and 50S) remained approximately constant for more than 24 hr. This did not result from stability of ribosomes made prior to starvation together with an inhibition of synthesis of new particles. Rather, ribosomes were continually breaking down and being replaced by an equivalent number of new ones. (iii) The breakdown of ribosomes appeared to be sequentially ordered; polysomes yielded 70S monomers, which then gave 30 and 50S particles, and these disintegrated to smaller units and finally to acid-soluble products. (iv) Furthermore, the particles derived from breakdown do not appear to exchange with subparticles on the path of assembly. Thus, ribosome decay was age-dependent and ribosomal RNA molecules had a minimal life expectancy of 90 min; however, some survived much longer.     

THE RELATION BETWEEN TEMPERATURE AND THE PEDAL RHYTHM OF BALANUS

1. The relation of temperature to the pedal rhythm of Balanus balanoides L. has been studied under otherwise constant conditions. 2. The frequency of movement increases with temperature, showing three groups of thermal increments and three critical temperatures. Five animals yielded µ = 5,700 above 14.5° C. and 12,100 below; 3 gave µ = 7,800 above 9.3° and 22,500 below; while 9 showed µ = 9,500 above 8.1° and 22,100 below. 3. The upper critical temperatures, above which different effects appeared in different animals were 23.4°, 26.0°, and 27.0°. Above 27.0° none of the valves remained open. 4. Excepting the values 5,700 and 9,500, the increments are similar to those previously found to be associated with respiratory and with neuromuscular activities. 5. Dilution of the sea water with from 3 to 4 per cent fresh water decreases the rate without altering the increments. More than 4 per cent dilution causes irregularity.     

Regulation of polyribosome formation and protein synthesis in the uterus. Effect of ovariectomy and administration of oestradiol-17beta on the amino acid-incorporation activity in vitro and the cytoplasmic concentration in vivo of polyribosomal preparation

1. Three procedures for isolating ribonucleoprotein particles from the cytoplasmic fraction of rat-uterus homogenates are described. By procedure 1, ribonucleoprotein particles were isolated in the presence of 5mm-Mg²⁺ and 25mm-K⁺, and the postmitochondrial supernatant fraction was made to 1·3% (w/v) in potassium deoxycholate. About 50% of the RNA and protein of the microsomal fraction was recovered in the monomeric ribosomes isolated. By procedure 2, ribonucleoprotein particles were isolated in the presence of 10mm-Mg²⁺ and 0·1m-K⁺, and in the absence of detergent. The ribosomes obtained were primarily polymeric, but recovery of microsomal RNA and protein was only 32%. By procedure 3, ribonucleoprotein particles were isolated according to procedure 1 but without the use of detergent. A mixture of polymeric and monomeric ribosomes was obtained, and the recovery of microsomal RNA and protein was about 60%. 2. Uterine polymeric and monomeric ribosomes, isolated by procedure 3 and designated `polyribosomal preparation', were examined for protein-synthesizing capabilities. The principal properties of the cell-free protein-synthesizing system containing the polyribosomal preparation are described. The efficiency of amino acid incorporation in the complete system incubated for 30min. and containing the polyribosomal preparation was found to be either 2·5 molecules of [¹⁴C]leucine or 2·2 molecules of [¹⁴C]-valine incorporated/ribosome. Assay of the preparation in the complete cell-free system containing 10mm-sodium fluoride indicated that 40% of the incorporation activity is a result of initiation of new polypeptide chains and 60% is due to completion of previously existing chains. Monomeric ribosomes obtained by various treatments of the polyribosomal preparation with sodium fluoride, ribonuclease and potassium deoxycholate had decreased incorporation activity in the cell-free system. However, monomeric ribosomes obtained by treatment with sodium fluoride only had an incorporation activity 50% greater than that of monomers obtained by treatment with ribonuclease only. 3. The results indicate that uterine polymeric and monomeric ribosomes are sites of amino acid incorporation in vivo and in vitro. It is concluded that most polymeric and monomeric ribosomes occurring in the cytoplasmic fraction of the uterus are free and unattached to membranes, and that the polyribosomes are relatively unstable.     

TIME-TEMPERATURE RELATIONS IN THE INCUBATION OF THE WHITEFISH,COREGONUS CLUPEAFORMIS (MITCHILL)

1. Whitefish eggs incubated in aerated lake water at controlled tempera tures of 0°, 0.5°, 2°, 4°, 6°, 8°, 10°, and 12°C., failed to hatch at either 0° or 12°C. 0.6 per cent hatched alive at 10°C., 72.67 per cent hatched alive at 0.5°C., and an intermediate proportion hatched at intermediate temperatures. 2. The percentage of abnormal embryos which developed to the hatching stage varied directly with temperature between 4° and 12°, all embryos being abnormal at 12°C.; but none were abnormal at either 0.5°, or 2°C. Normal development predominated from 0.5 to 6°C. The highest proportion of embryos to hatch alive was 72.67 per cent at 0.5°C., which is, hence, the optimum temperature. 3. Total incubation time ranged from 29.6 days at 10°C. to 141 days at 0.5°C. 4. The time (T) required to attain any given stage of development is expressed in equations See PDF for Equation where temperature, t, is a negative exponent of the constant, A, whose value differs above or below 6°C., a critical temperature. Values of A above 6° fluctuate about 1.13; those of A below 6° fluctuate about 1.19 as a mean. 5. Applying Arrhenius'' equation µ values for the total incubation period are 27,500 below 6° and 27,100 above it. 6. The relative magnitude of A values of the exponential equation and µ values of Arrhenius'' equation show corresponding changes from one developmental period to another. 7. When plotted, thermal increments show cyclic variations, with maxima during periods of cleavage and of organogenesis. These may indicate the interaction of two separate sets of embryonic processes, which give a maximal response to temperature differences during these two separate periods. 8. Above 6°, µ values during the hatching process are distinct from those of developmental stages and are regarded as being due to the action of hatching enzymes.     

The Role of Mg(II) in DNA Cleavage Site Recognition in Group II Intron Ribozymes: SOLUTION STRUCTURE AND METAL ION BINDING SITES OF THE RNA·DNA COMPLEX*

Group II intron ribozymes catalyze the cleavage of (and their reinsertion into) DNA and RNA targets using a Mg²⁺-dependent reaction. The target is cleaved 3′ to the last nucleotide of intron binding site 1 (IBS1), one of three regions that form base pairs with the intron''s exon binding sites (EBS1 to -3). We solved the NMR solution structure of the d3′ hairpin of the Sc.ai5γ intron containing EBS1 in its 11-nucleotide loop in complex with the dIBS1 DNA 7-mer and compare it with the analogous RNA·RNA contact. The EBS1·dIBS1 helix is slightly flexible and non-symmetric. NMR data reveal two major groove binding sites for divalent metal ions at the EBS1·dIBS1 helix, and surface plasmon resonance experiments show that low concentrations of Mg²⁺ considerably enhance the affinity of dIBS1 for EBS1. Our results indicate that identification of both RNA and DNA IBS1 targets, presentation of the scissile bond, and stabilization of the structure by metal ions are governed by the overall structure of EBS1·dIBS1 and the surrounding loop nucleotides but are irrespective of different EBS1·(d)IBS1 geometries and interstrand affinities.     

QUANTITATIVE STUDIES OF PHAGOCYTOSIS : Kinetic Effects of Cations and Heat-Labile Opsonin

Kinetic analysis of the initial ingestion rate of albumin-coated paraffin oil particles by human granulocytes and rabbit alveolar macrophages was undertaken to study the mechanism of action of cations and of heat-labile opsonin on engulfment. The rate of uptake of the particles was stimulated by Ca⁺⁺, Mg⁺⁺, Mn⁺⁺, or Co⁺⁺. At high concentrations (> 20 mM) Ca⁺⁺ and Mg⁺⁺ inhibited the rate of ingestion. Treatment of the particles with fresh serum (heat-labile opsonin) also stimulated the rate of ingestion. ¹²⁵I-labeled C3 was bound to the particles during opsonization. C3-deficient human serum lacked opsonic activity, which was restored by addition of purified C3. Normal, C2-deficient, and hereditary angioneurotic edema sera had equivalent opsonic activity. The serum opsonic activity thus involved C3 fixation to the particles by means of the properdin system. Although Mg⁺⁺ and heat-labile opsonin both accelerated the maximal rates of ingestion of the particles, neither altered the particle concentrations associated with one-half maximal ingestion rates. Opsonization of the particles markedly diminished the concentrations of divalent cations causing both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on ingestion rates and altered the shapes of the cation activation curves. ⁴⁵Ca was not bound to the particles during opsonization. The results are consistent with a mechanism whereby divalent cations and heat-labile opsonin activate ingestion by stimulating the work of engulfment rather than by merely enhancing cell-particle affinity, and whereby heat-labile opsonin acts by potentiating the effects of divalent cations.