Alkanetriols in psilotophyte cutins

The covalently bonded components of the stem cutin of Psilotum include 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid and substantial amounts of hexadecane-1,8,16-triol. While of generally similar composition, leaf cutin of Tmesipteris contains a mixture of hexadecanetriol isomers. The findings suggest that psilotophyte cutins evolved in a different manner from those of other land plants.     

Thermodynamic investigations of proteins. I. Standard functions for proteins with lysozyme as an example.

A direct method is proposed for obtaining thermodynamic standard functions for native and denatured proteins using experimental data from scanning calorimetry, isothermal calorimetry and potentiometric titrations. The possibility of this approach is demonstrated on the example of lysozyme in the range of pH 1.5-7.0 and temperature 0-100 degrees C. Tests for the validity of the obtained functions of enthalpy and entropy are presented in the form of cyclic processes using experimental data obtained from thermodynamically different pathways. The Gibbs function is checked by comparison with results of an independent method. The methodic problems in determining and checking standard functions for proteins are discussed in detail.     

Synthesis of the 6-methyl and 3,6- and 4,6-dimethyl ethers of methyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-α-D-mannopyranoside

The 6-mono- (6) and 4,6- (16) and 3,6-di-methyl (25) ethers of methyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-α-D-mannopyranoside have been synthesized from 6-O-trityl, 4,6-O-benzylidene, and 3-O-methyl derivatives, respectively, by way of O-benzoyl and of O-allyl derivatives. The yields were respectively 37 and 43% for 6, 34 and 50% for 16, and 14 and 25% for 25. These ethers are used as standard compounds for the structure elucidation, by methylation, of polymers containing 2-amino-2-deoxy-D-mannose.     

Adenosine cyclic monophosphate in potato tubers during storage at +10° and +2°

The levels of adenosine 3′: 5′ cyclic monophosphate in mature potato tubers (variety King Edward) stored at + 10°, for varying periods at + 2° and then after 28 days at + 2° transferred to + 10°, have been measured. The concentrations were very low (3–30 pmol/g fr. weight) and did not show marked changes with storage conditions.     

Transesterification of farnesol mediated by a lipase from Andrographis tissue cultures

A cell-free system from Andrographis paniculata tissue cultures catalysed the transesterification of administered cis, trans-farnesol-[1-³H₂] with (glyceryl) oleate and palmitate present in the coconut water that forms part of the culture medium.