Sequence of the mglB gene from Escherichia coli K12: comparison of wild-type and mutant galactose chemoreceptors

Summary The mglB gene of Escherichia coli codes for a galactose-binding protein (GBP) that serves both as the galactose chemoreceptor and as the recognition component of the -methylgalactoside transport system. The mglB551 mutation eliminates the chemotactic function of GBP without altering its transport or substrate-binding properties. To investigate the interaction between GBP and Trg, the chemotactic signal transducer for galactose, we sequenced the mglB genes from wild-type and mglB551 mutant strains. The mutation causes the replacement of Gly₇₄ of GBP by Asp. This residue is located in alpha-Helix III at the tip of the P domain in the GBP tertiary structure farthest removed from the substrate-binding cleft between the P and Q domains. We conclude that Helix III must be part of, or at least adjacent to, the recognition site for Trg. Our sequence also included part of the mglA gene, which is immediately distal to mglB. The amino acid sequence deduced for the beginning of the MglA protein showed homology with a family of polypeptides that contain an ATP-binding site and are components of binding-protein-dependent transport systems.     

异大茴香脑新资源——齿叶黄皮的研究

齿叶黄皮是生长于广东省北部石灰岩山地的一种芸香科常绿小乔木,其叶富含精油,枝叶经水蒸汽蒸馏出油率为0.7%。精油经毛细管气相色谱、气相色谱/质谱联用、红外吸收光谱、核磁共振波谱等方法分析,确证含异大茴香脑(isoanethole)93.10%。异大茴香脑对霉菌有较强抑菌活性,并可通过异构化一步转变为大茴香脑。     

The pattern of proliferation of the neuroblasts in the wild-type embryo of Drosophila melanogaster

Summary The pattern of neuroblast divisions was studied in thoracic and abdominal neuromeres of wild-type Drosophila melanogaster embryos stained with a monoclonal antibody directed against a chromatin-associated antigen. Since fixed material was used, our conclusions are based upon the statistical evaluation of a large number of accurately staged embryos, covering the stages between the formation of the cephalic furrow up to shortened germ band. Our observations point to a rather stereotypic pattern of proliferation, consisting of several parasynchronous cycles of division. The data suggest that all SI neuroblasts divide at least eight times, all SII neuroblasts six or seven times and all SIII neuroblasts at least five times. This conclusion is based on the mapping of mitotic neuroblasts and is supported by the progressive reduction of the neuroblast volume and by the results of cell countings performed on embryos of increasing age. No conclusive evidence was obtained concerning the fate of the neuroblasts after their last mitosis, i.e. it cannot be decided whether the neuroblasts degenerate or become incorporated as inconspicuous cells in the larval ventral cord. The duration of the cycles of division of the neuroblasts was found to be 40–50 min each, while in the case of ganglion mother cells about 100 min are required to complete one cell cycle.     

Male reproductive success in harem troops of hanuman langurs (Presbytis entellus)

Based on cross-sectional and longitudinal data collected in 1967–1988 by various observers, male reproductive success was studied in the Hanuman langurs of Jodhpur, India. The harem-structured social organization ensures a high degree of paternity certainty. Births occur throughout the year, with significant peaks and minima in March and November, respectively (n =398).The interbirth interval averages 16.7 months (n = 114).The duration of harem residencies varies between 3 days and ≥ 74.0 months, with a mean of 26.5 (n = 64). Harem holder replacements occur during all months of the year. No male achieves residency in more than one troop, suggesting that residency is associated with a distinct peak in the resource holding potential of a given male. Reproductive success among males varies considerably. Male mortality is high due to migration and intrasexual competition, leading to an adult sex ratio of 1:4.9. It is estimated that one-quarter of all adult males will never gain harem residency. Conceptions achieved outside harem residencies are so rare (4.7%) that a viable low-risk strategy, opting for longevity instead of harem residency, is unlikely. Tenure length has a stronger influence on male reproductive success than harem size because interbirth intervals are significantly shorter in small harems than in larger ones. It is assumed that females in one-male breeding structures compete for sperm and that such competition is more intense in larger harems.     

Signal transduction by membrane receptors in viable electropermeabilized cells: isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic AMP synthesis in C6 glioma cells

The activity of beta-adrenergic receptors at the plasma membrane level was investigated in viable, electropermeabilized C6 glioma cells. Electric field pulses were applied directly to the plated cells without any previous proteinase treatment. The affinity for isoproterenol and the density of the beta-adrenergic receptors, as judged from the number of [3H]CGP-12177 binding sites, were not affected by the electropermeabilization whereas the isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP accumulation was transiently impaired. This decrease in activity is due to an electropermeabilization-induced GTP leak. Normal activity could be obtained either by treating the cells by the electric field in a GTP-containing buffer, or by spontaneous recovery of the cells after the resealing of the plasma membrane, with a delay depending on the temperature. The activity of the receptors was not affected by the structural organization of the membrane associated to its electropermeabilization.     

Phenolic and mineral content of leaves influences decomposition in European forest ecosystems

Summary Factors influencing decomposition in European forests growing on different soils were studied in stands dominated by the European beechFagus sylvatica L. Phenolic contents of freshly fallen leaves ofF. sylvatica growing on nutrient-poor soils (acid sandy soil) were higher than those of similar leaves on nutrient-rich soils (calcareous mull soil). Analysis of fallen leaves of different ages showed rapid decay of phenolics during the first winter on the ground. After 1 year the phenolic content of leaves ofF. sylvatica growing on nutrient-poor soils was still twice as high as in similar leaves on nutrient-rich soils. Field and laboratory experiments showed that a major decomposer (Oniscus asellus, Isopoda) preferred leaves from trees on nutrient-rich soils. Mineral contents of leaves ofF. sylvatica growing on different soils differed: on rich soils leaves had higher contents of Ca, Mg, Na, and K. These elements are important nutrients for decomposers. The distribution of major decomposers reflects the mineral content of their diet, which in turn reflects soil type. Different rates of leaf turnover and nutrient turnover in different forest ecosystems (even when the same tree species is dominant) are due to the decomposing system, which is influenced by the phenolic and mineral contents of the leaves.     

Serum-free growth medium for the cultivation of a wide spectrum of mammalian cells in stirred bioreactors

A serum free medium was developed, that could be used for the large scale propagation of various cell lines in bioreactors. The medium is based on a 1:1 mixture of Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium and Ham's Medium F12, supplemented with transferrin, insulin and a BSA/oleic acid complex. Several myelomas, hybridomas derived from different myelomas and spleen cells, and other lymphoid and non-lymphoid cell lines were cultivated at growth rates comparable to those observed using serum-supplemented media. There was furthermore no reduction in the formation of products such as monoclonal antibodies or recombinant human interleukin-2.Abbreviations Ag8 Mouse myeloma cell line P3-X63-Ag8.653 - BME Basal Medium Eagle - BSA Bovine Serum Albumin - DMEM Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium - EDTA Ethylenediaminete-traacetic Acid - e-PC Phosphatidyl choline from egg yolk - FCS Fetal Calf Serum - FGF Fibroblast Growth Factor - GHL Glycyl-histidyl-lysine - HDL High Density Lipoprotein - HPL Human Plasma Lipid - IF 1:1 mixture of IMDM and Ham's F12 - IMDM Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's medium - LDL Low Density Lipoprotein - NS1 Mouse myeloma cell line NSI-1-Ag4-1 - PBS Phosphate Buffered Saline - s-PC Phosphatidylcholine from soy beans - s-PE Phosphatidylethanolamine from soy beans - s-lecithin lecithin from soy beans