Competition for inorganic substrates among chemoorganotrophic and chemolithotrophic bacteria

In aerobic enrichment experiments with a chemostat, using phosphate-limited lactate medium, aSpirillum sp. predominated at the lower range of dilution rates. At the higher dilution rates an (chemoorganotrophic) unidentified rod-shaped bacterium came to the fore. The same result was obtained in competition experiments with pure cultures of the two bacteria. Growth parameters were: Rod, _max=0.48 hr^–1,k _s(PO₄ ^3–)=6.6×10^–N M;Spirillum, _max=0.24 hr^–1· k_s(PO₄ ^3–) =2.7×10^–8 M. TheSpirillum grew faster than the rod at low dilution rates, not only under phosphate-limitation but also in K⁺-,Mg²⁺-, NH₄ ⁺-, aspartate-, succinate-, and lactate-limited cultures. Both organisms showed little substrate specificity and could utilize a similar range of carbon and energy sources. The results support the view that part of the diversity among bacteria in the natural environment is based on selection toward substrate concentration. Another set of competition experiments was carried out with pure cultures of two marine obligately chemolithotrophic colorless sulfur bacteria,Thiobacillus thioparus andThiomicrospira pelophila. Tms. pelophila outgrewT. thioparus at low dilution rates under iron limitation, while the reverse was true at high dilution rates. It is concluded that the relatively fast growth ofTms. pelophila at low iron concentration may explain its higher sulfide tolerance. Organisms showing a selection advantage at very low concentrations of limiting substrates appear to have a relatively high surface to volume ratio.     

H2S degradation is reflected by both the activity and composition of the microbial community in a compost biofilter

In this study, 16S rRNA- and rDNA-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) were used to study the temporal and spatial evolution of the microbial communities in a compost biofilter removing H₂S and in a control biofilter without H₂S loading. During the first 81 days of the experiment, the H₂S removal efficiencies always exceeded 93% at loading rates between 4.1 and 30 g m⁻³ h⁻¹. Afterwards, the H₂S removal efficiency decreased to values between 44 and 71%. RNA-based DGGE analysis showed that H₂S loading to the biofilter increased the stability of the active microbial community but decreased the activity-based diversity and evenness. The most intense band in both the RNA- and DNA-based DGGE patterns of the H₂S-degrading biofilter represented the sulfur oxidizing bacterium Thiobacillus thioparus. This suggested that T. thioparus constituted a major part of the bacterial community and was an important primary degrader in the H₂S-degrading biofilter. The decreasing H₂S removal efficiencies near the end of the experiment were not accompanied by a substantial change of the DGGE patterns. Therefore, the decreased H₂S removal was probably not caused by a failing microbiology but rather by a decrease of the mass transfer of substrates after agglutination of the compost particles.     

Enhanced removal efficiency of malodorous gases in a pilot-scale peat biofilter inoculated with Thiobacillus thioparus DW44

A newly isolated autotrophic bacterium, Thiobacillus thioparus DW44, which is capable of degrading sulfur-containing gases, was inoculated into a pilot-scale peat biofilter to treat the exhaust gas from a night soil treatment plant. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), methanethiol (MT), dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) in the exhaust gas were efficiently removed for six months. Average removal ratios were 99.8% for H₂S, 99.0% for MT, 89.5% for DMS and 98.1% for DMDS at a space velocity of 46 h⁻¹ during the period of operation. No acclimation period was needed to reach such a high efficiency in the removal of the gases, indicating that the ability of this bacterium to remove these gases was occurred immediately after its inoculation to the peat. Ammonia (NH₃) in the exhaust gas was neutralized with SO₄²⁻, which is the final product of the oxidation of H₂S, MT, DMS and DMDS by the bacterium. No remarkable decline of pH, which often causes a deterioration in bacterial activity, was observed, mainly because of the reaction of SO₄²⁻ with NH₃. This study is the first report on the application of an isolated microorganism to a practical deodorizing system. The inoculation of T. thioparus DW44 into the pilot-scale peat biofilter could overcome such disadvantages of the conventional peat biofilter as a long acclimation period to reach a constant gas removability and the low removability of DMS, and resulted in enhanced removal efficiency of malodorous gases.     

Kinetics of hydrogen sulfide oxidation by immobilized autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria in bioreactors

Summary The kinetics of H₂S oxidation in bioreactors with separately packed autotrophic Thiobacillus thioparus CH11 and heterotrophic Pseudomonas putida CH11 were evaluated. The reaction rates were determined to be first-order below 20 ppm, zero-order above 60 ppm, and fractional-order in the intermediate concentration ranges for the Thiobacillus thioparus CH11 bioreactor, and first-order below 35 ppm, zero-order above 80 ppm, and fractional-order in the intermediate concentration ranges for the Pseudomonas putida CH11 bioreactor. The saturation constants for H₂S by Thiobacillus thioparus CH11 and Pseudomonas putida CH11 were calculated to be 30.3 ppm and 44.2 ppm, respectively.     

Assimilation and Metabolism of Exogenous Organic Compounds by the Strict Autotrophs Thiobacillus thioparus and Thiobacillus neapolitanus

The assimilation and utilization of the individual carbon atoms of pyruvate and acetate by cells of Thiobacillus thioparus and T. neapolitanus, in the presence and absence of an energy source, were studied by use of radioactive substrates. Both organisms produced ¹⁴CO₂ from ¹⁴C-labeled pyruvate, but more came from carbon 1 than from carbons 2 or 3. The conversion of the carbons of acetate to CO₂ by both organisms was much less than that from any of the pyruvate carbons. When labeled pyruvate and acetate were incubated with these organisms, small amounts of radioactivity were found in the tricholoacetic acid-soluble material, nucleic acids, and lipids, and larger amounts were found in the protein fraction. The composition of the incubation medium affected the amount of utilization and incorporation of labeled substrates by both organisms. The presence of an exogenous energy source (Na₂S₂O₃) suppressed incorporation of the labeled substrates into various cellular components by T. thioparus, but enhanced incorporation by T. neapolitanus. When ¹⁴C-pyruvate was used as a substrate, as many as 12 radioactive compounds were found in the water-soluble fraction in the experiments with T. neapolitanus, whereas no more than three radioactive compounds were detected in this fraction in the experiments with T. thioparus. Of the total ¹⁴C activity found in the water-soluble fractions, malic acid contained the highest percentage. These findings are discussed in light of the overall metabolism of these two sulfur-oxidizing obligate chemoautotrophs, as well as in relation to the biochemical basis of chemoautotrophy.     

Pyrite oxidation in acid sulphate soils: The role of miroorganisms

Summary A study has been made of microbial processes in the oxidation of pyrite in aicd sulphate soil material. Such soils are formed during aeration of marine muds rich in pyrite (FeS₂). Bacteria of the type ofThiobacillus ferrooxidans are mainly responsible for the oxidation of pyrite, causing a pronounced acidification of the soil. However, becauseThiobacillus ferrooxidans functions optimally at pH values bellow 4.0, its activity cannot explain the initial pH drop from approximately neutral to about 4. This was shown to be a non-biological process, in which bacteria play an insignificant part. AlthoughThiobacillus thioparus andThiobacillus thiooxidans were isolated from the acidifying soil, they did not stimulate oxidation of FeS₂, but utilized reduced sulphur compounds, which are formed during the non-biological oxidation of FeS₂.Ethylene-oxide-sterilized and dry-sterilized soil inoculated with pure cultures of mixtures of various thiobacilli or with freshly sampled acid sulphate soil soil did not acidify faster than sterile blanks.Thiobacillus thiooxians. Thiobacillus thioparus. Thiobacillus intermedius andThiobacillus perometabolis increased from about 10⁴ to 10⁵ cells/ml in media with FeS₂ as energy source. However, FeS₂ oxidation in the inoculated media was not faster than in sterile blanks.Attempts to isolate microorganisms other thanThiobacillus ferrooxidans, like metallogenium orLeptospirillum ferrooxidans, which might also be involved in the oxidation of FeS₂ were not successful.Addition of CaCO₃ to the soil prevented acidification but did not stop non-biological oxidation of FeS₂.     

Degradation of carbondisulphide by a Thiobacillus isolate

During experiments investigating the purification of waste gas a bacterium capable of using carbon disulphide (CS₂) als sole energy source was isolated. It could be identified as a Thiobacillus sp.; however, the species remains unclear. Both the properties of T. thioparus and T. thiooxidans have been observed. Since the organism could be used for removing CS₂ in the environment, the degradation kinetics have been investigated by different methods. Substrate concentrations of up to 100 mg CS₂·l^–1 were oxidized at maximum rates of 2.5 mg CS₂·g^–1 protein·min^–1 at pH 7.0 and at 30°C. CS₂ levels above 150 mg CS₂·l^–1 caused termination of degradative activity. Correspondence to: Ch. Plas     

Purification and characterization of a periplasmic thiosulfate dehydrogenase from the obligately autotrophicThiobacillus sp. W5

A periplasmic thiosulfate dehydrogenase (EC 1.8.2.2) was purified to homogeneity from the neutrophilic, obligately chemolithoautotrophicThiobacillus sp. W5. A five-step procedure resulted in an approximately 2,300-fold purification. The purified protein had a molecular mass of 120±3 kDa, as determined by gel filtration. It is probably a tetramer containing two different subunits with molecular masses of 33±1 kDa and 27±0.5 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE. UV/visible spectroscopy revealed that the enzyme contained haemc; haem staining showed that both subunits contained haemc. A haemc content of 4 mol per mol of enzyme was calculated using the pyridine haemochrome test. The pH optimum of the enzyme was 5.5 At pH 7.5, the K_m and V_max were 120±10 M and 1,160±30 U mg^-1, respectively. The absence of 2-heptyl-4-hydroquinoline-N-oxide (HQNO) inhibition for the oxidation of thiosulfate by whole cells suggested that the electrons enter the respiratory chain at the level of cytochromec. Comparison with thiosulfate dehydrogenases from otherThiobacillus species showed that the enzyme was structurally similar to the thiosulfate dehydrogenase of the acidophilic, facultatively chemolithoautotrophicThiobacillus acidophilus, but not to the thiosulfate dehydrogenases published for the obligately chemolithoautotrophicThiobacillus tepidarius andThiobacillus thioparus.Abbreviations BV Benzyl viologen - DCPIP 2,6-Dichloroindophenol - HQNO 2-Heptyl-4-hydroquinoline-N-oxide - NEM N-ethylmaleimide - PES Phenazine ethosulfate - PMS Phenazine methosulfate     

Effects of sulphur and Thiobacillus thioparus on cow manure aerobic composting

A simulated aerobic composting experiment was used to explore the effects of sulphur and Thiobacillusthioparus during six manure composting treatments. The addition of sulphur led to a decrease of the pH level within the range 6-6.3, which was lower than the control treatment (CK). The concentration of ammonium nitrogen in T1 (0.25% sulphur), T2 (0.5% sulphur), T3 (0.25% sulphur + T. thioparus) and T4 (0.5% sulphur + T. thioparus) were much higher than the ammonium N in CK. The results indicated that addition of sulphur could increase the concentration of ammonium N and reduce loss of nitrogen. However, excess sulphur had a negative effect on temperature and GI. Addition of T. thioparus could increase concentration of available S, alleviate these negative influences and reduce compost biological toxicity.     

Plant growth-promoting activity in newly isolated <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus thioparus</Emphasis> (NII-0902) from Western <Emphasis Type="Italic">ghat</Emphasis> forest,India

A Gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium isolated on nutrient agar plates incubated at 28 ± 2°C. The identity of the bacterium was confirmed by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and it reveals that it shares highest similarity with Bacillus thioparus CECT 7196^T (99.08%). It was capable of growing at temperatures ranging from 4 to 40°C, but optimum growth was observed at 28 ± 2°C. Strain NII-0902 is endowed with multiple plant growth promotion attributes such as phosphate solubilization, Indole acetic acid (IAA), siderophore and HCN production, which were expressed differentially at sub-optimal temperatures (5–40°C). It was able to solubilize phosphate (17.7 μg ml⁻¹), and produce IAA (139.7 μg ml⁻¹) at 28 ± 2°C. Qualitative detection of siderophore production and HCN were also observed. At 5°C it was found to express all the plant growth promotion attributes except HCN production. The ability to colonize roots is a sine qua non condition for a rhizobacteria to be considered a true plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Bacillus sp. NII-0902 has a potential ability to colonize roots visualized by transparency, bacterial growth (turbid, milky and narrow zone) along and around roots and truly supported by scanning electron micrograph. Hence, it is proposed that, Bacillus thioparus sp. NII-0902 could be deployed as an inoculant to attain the desired results of bacterization.     

Phylogenetic assessment of culture collection strains of Thiobacillus thioparus, and definitive 16S rRNA gene sequences for T. thioparus, T. denitrificans, and Halothiobacillus neapolitanus

The 16S rRNA gene sequences of 12 strains of Thiobacillus thioparus held by different culture collections have been compared. A definitive sequence for the reference type strain (Starkey; ATCC 8158^T) was obtained. The sequences for four examples of the Starkey type strain were essentially identical, confirming their sustained identity after passage through different laboratories. One strain (NCIMB 8454) was reassigned as a strain of Halothiobacillus neapolitanus, and a second (NCIMB 8349) was a species of Thermithiobacillus. These two strains have been renamed in their catalog by the National Collection of Industrial and Marine Bacteria. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the type strain of Halothiobacillus neapolitanus (NCIMB 8539^T) was determined and used to confirm the identity of other culture collection strains of this species. The reference sequences for the type strains of Thiobacillus thioparus and Halothiobacillus neapolitanus have been added to the online List of Prokaryotic Names with Standing in Nomenclature. Comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequences available for strains of Thiobacillus denitrificans indicated that the sequence for the type strain (NCIMB 9548^T) should always be used as the reference sequence for new and existing isolates.     

Purification and characterization of methyl mercaptan oxidase from<Emphasis Type="Italic">Thiobacillus thioparus</Emphasis> for mercaptan detection

Methyl mercaptan oxidase was successfully induced inThiobacillus thioparus TK-m using methyl mercaptan gas, and was purified for the detection of mercaptans. The purification procedure involved a DEAE (diethylaminoethyl)-Sephacel, or Superose 12, column chromatography, with recovery yields of 47.5 and 48.5%, and specific activities of 374 and 1240.8 units/mg-protein, respectively. The molecular weight of the purified methyl mercaptan oxidase was 66.1kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE. The extract, from gel filtration chromatography, oxidizes methyl mercaptan, producing formaldehyde, which can be easily detected by the purpald-coloring method. The optimized temperature for activity was found to be at 55°C. This enzyme was inhibited by both NH₄Cl and (NH₄)₂SO₄, but was unaffected by either KCl or NaCl at less than 200 mM. With K₂SO₄, the activity decreased at 20 mM, but recovered at 150 mM. In the presence of methanol, full activity was maintained, but decreased in the presence of glycerin, ethanol and acetone 43, 78 and 75%, respectively.     

Degradation of O,O-Dimethyl Phosphorodithioate by Thiobacillus thioparus TK-1 and Pseudomonas AK-2

O,O-Dimethyl phosphorodithioate (DMDTP) is an initial breakdown product of organophosphorus pesticides in fields. DMDTP is also released to natural environments by pesticide manufacturers. DMDTP-degrading microorganisms were not known. We isolated two bacteria from activated sludge. One of them, strain TK-1 identified as Thiobacillus thioparus, utilized DMDTP as a sole energy source and produced dimethyl phosphate (DMP) and sulfate. The other, strain AK-2 identified as Pseudomonas sp., utilized DMP as a sole energy and carbon source and degraded DMP to inorganic orthophosphate (P_i). DMDTP was degraded to P_i by the coaction of the two bacteria.     

Synthesis of [Tl4Se16]: a novel tetranuclear Tl polyselenide

(Ph₄P)₄[Tl₄Se₁₆] was prepared hydrothermally in a sealed pyrex tube by the reaction of TlCl, K₂Se₄ and Ph₄PCl in a 1:1:1 molar ratio at 110 °C for one day. The red crystals were obtained in 50% yield. Crystals of (Ph₄P)₄[Tl₄Se₁₆]: triclinic P (No. 2), Z=1, a=12.054(9), b=19.450(10), c=11.799(6) Å, α=104.63(4), β=98.86(6), γ=101.99(6)° and V=2555(3) ų at 23 °C, 2θ_max=40.0°, μ=120.7 cm⁻¹, D_calc=2.23. The structure was solved by direct methods. Number of data collected: 5206. Number of unique data having F_o²>3σ(F_o²): 1723. Final R=0.075 and R_w=0.089. [Tl₄Se₁₆]⁴⁻ consists of four, almost already linearly arranged, tetrahedral thallium centers which are coordinated by two chelating Se₄²⁻, two bridging Se₂²⁻ and four bridging Se²⁻ ligands. [Tl₄Se₁₆]⁴⁻ sits on an inversion center and possesses a central {Tl₂Se₂}²⁺ planar core. The Tl(1)–Tl(1)′ distance in this core is 3.583(6) Å. These two thallium atoms are then each linked to two cyclic Tl(Se₄) fragments via bridging Se₂²⁻ and Se²⁻ ligands forming Tl₂Se(Se₂) five-membered rings.     

Effects of organic compounds on growth of chemostat cultures of Thiomicrospira pelophila,Thiobacillus thioparus and Thiobacillus neapolitanus

Summary Cultures of Thiomicrospira pelophila, Thiobacillus thioparus and Thiobacillus neapolitanus were grown in thiosulfate-limited chemostats in a mineralsthiosulfate medium with and without organic supplements. Acetate, succinate and mixtures of amino acids increased the dry weight by 12–24% and the protein by 11–38%. Addition of both acetate and succinate had a cumulative effect. Saccharose, glucose, fructose, ribose, glycerol, glycerate, pyruvate, lactate or malate were without effect. The increase in dry weight of T. neapolitanus by ¹⁴C-acetate was directly related to the relative contribution of this compound to the total cell carbon.In CO₂-limited cultures of T. neapolitanus the effects of acetate on dry weight and protein were similar to those found in thiosulfate-limited cultures. In CO₂-limited cultures of T. pelophila a combination of acetate and succinate caused an increase in dry weight of 27% and of 50% in protein, the increase in protein being twice as high as in thiosulfate-limited cultures.There were no measurable differences in the activities of ribulosediphosphate carboxylase (RudPcase) in cell free extracts obtained from thiosulfate- or CO₂-limited cultures of T. pelophila or T. neapolitanus grown in the presence or absence of organic compounds. In T. pelophila the RudPcase activity was almost constant at all growth rates tested, and independent of the type of growth-limitation. For T. neapolitanus the specific RudPcase activity varied slightly with the growth rate. In CO₂-limited cultures the activity was three times that found in thiosulfate-limited cultures, thus showing that the RudPcase activity can be influenced by nutritional conditions.     

An NMR investigation of putative interresidue H-bonding in methyl α-cellobioside in solution

Methyl α-cellobioside (methyl β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-d-glucopyranoside) was labeled with ¹³C at C4′ for use in NMR studies in DMSO-d₆ solvent to attempt the detection of a trans-H-bond J-coupling (^3hJ_CCOH) between C4′ and OH3. Analysis of the OH3 signal at 600 MHz revealed only the presence of two homonuclear J-couplings: ³J_H3,OH3 and a smaller, longer range J_HH. No evidence for ^3hJ_C4′,OH3 was found. The longer range J_HH was traced to ⁴J_H4,OH3 based on 2D ¹H–¹H COSY data and inspection of the H2 and H4 signal lineshapes. A limited set of DFT calculations was performed on a methyl cellobioside mimic to evaluate the structural dependencies of ⁴J_H2,O3H and ⁴J_H4,O3H on the H3–C3–O3–H torsion angle. Computed couplings range from about −0.7 to about +1.1 Hz, with maximal values observed when the C–H and O–H bonds are roughly diaxial.     

Effects of inorganic nitrogen on C2H2 reduction and CO2 exchange in the Peltigera praetextata-Nostoc and Peltigera aphthosa-Coccomyxa-Nostoc symbioses

Uptake of NH ₄ ⁺ and NO ₃ ^- by the N₂-fixing lichens Peltigera praetextata (two-component lichen) and P. aphthosa (three-component lichen) was studied. In addition, the effects of these ions, separately and in combination, on C₂H₂ reduction and CO₂ exchange were examined. Both NH ₄ ⁺ and NO ₃ ^- were utilized by the lichens. NH₄NO₃ caused an increased liberation of NO ₃ ^- from the lichens as compared to the release observed in untreated lichen thalli. NH ₄ ⁺ and NO ₃ ^- led to reduced C₂H₂ reduction by P. praetextata, which, however, was less pronounced than when the two ions were given in combination. In P. aphthosa the C₂H₂ reduction was inhibited by NH ₄ ⁺ and NH₄NO₃, but not by NO ₃ ^- alone. NH ₄ ⁺ and NO ₃ ^- had no effect on the net photosynthesis of P. praetextata, while, in combination, they led to inhibition, although only at a concentration higher than that inhibitory to the C₂H₂ reduction of P. aphthosa. The photsynthesis was inhibited by all salts, but only initially, probably a salt effect. Effects of NH ₄ ⁺ on the membrane potential of the cyanobiont are suggested as an important factor causing the depression of net photosynthesis.     

Dy(3+) and Mn(2+) emission in fluoride- and chloride-based Na(3) (SO(4) )X (X = F or Cl) phosphors

In the present study, Na₃(SO₄)X (X = F or Cl) halosulphate phosphors have been synthesized by the solid‐state diffusion method. The phase formation of the compounds Na₃(SO₄)F and Na₃(SO₄)Cl were confirmed by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurement. Photoluminescence (PL) excitation spectrum measurement of Na₃(SO₄)F:Ce³⁺ and Na₃(SO₄)Cl:Ce³⁺ shows this phosphor can be efficiently excited by near‐ultraviolet (UV) light and presents a dominant luminescence band centred at 341 nm for Ce³⁺, which is responsible for energy transfer to Dy³⁺and Mn²⁺ ions. The efficient Ce³⁺ → Dy³⁺ energy transfer in Na₃(SO₄)F and Na₃(SO₄)Cl under UV wavelength was observed due to ⁴ F_9/2 to ⁶H_15/2 and ⁶H_13/2 level, while Ce³⁺ → Mn²⁺ was observed due to ⁴ T₁ state to ⁶A₁. The purpose of the present study is to develop and understanding the photoluminescence properties of Ce³⁺‐, Dy³⁺‐ and Mn²⁺‐doped fluoride and chloride Na₃(SO₄)X (X = F or Cl) luminescent material, which can be the efficient phosphors in many applications, such as scintillation applications, TL dosimetry and the lamp industry, etc. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Co-function of C3-and C4-photosynthetic pathways in C3, C4 and C3-C4 intermediate Flaveria species

The potential for C₄ photosynthesis was investigated in five C₃-C₄ intermediate species, one C₃ species, and one C₄ species in the genus Flaveria, using ¹⁴CO₂ pulse-¹²CO₂ chase techniques and quantum-yield measurements. All five intermediate species were capable of incorporating ¹⁴CO₂ into the C₄ acids malate and aspartate, following an 8-s pulse. The proportion of ¹⁴C label in these C₄ products ranged from 50–55% to 20–26% in the C₃-C₄ intermediates F. floridana Johnston and F. linearis Lag. respectively. All of the intermediate species incorporated as much, or more, ¹⁴CO₂ into aspartate as into malate. Generally, about 5–15% of the initial label in these species appeared as other organic acids. There was variation in the capacity for C₄ photosynthesis among the intermediate species based on the apparent rate of conversion of ¹⁴C label from the C₄ cycle to the C₃ cycle. In intermediate species such as F. pubescens Rydb., F. ramosissima Klatt., and F. floridana we observed a substantial decrease in label of C₄-cycle products and an increase in percentage label in C₃-cycle products during chase periods with ¹²CO₂, although the rate of change was slower than in the C₄ species, F. palmeri. In these C₃-C₄ intermediates both sucrose and fumarate were predominant products after a 20-min chase period. In the C₃-C₄ intermediates, F. anomala Robinson and f. linearis we observed no significant decrease in the label of C₄-cycle products during a 3-min chase period and a slow turnover during a 20-min chase, indicating a lower level of functional integration between the C₄ and C₃ cycles in these species, relative to the other intermediates. Although F. cronquistii Powell was previously identified as a C₃ species, 7–18% of the initial label was in malate+aspartate. However, only 40–50% of this label was in the C-4 position, indicating C₄-acid formation as secondary products of photosynthesis in F. cronquistii. In 21% O₂, the absorbed quantum yields for CO₂ uptake (in mol CO₂·[mol quanta]^-1) averaged 0.053 in F. cronquistii (C₃), 0.051 in F. trinervia (Spreng.) Mohr (C₄), 0.052 in F. ramosissima (C₃-C₄), 0.051 in F. anomala (C₃-C₄), 0.050 in F. linearis (C₃-C₄), 0.046 in F. floridana (C₃-C₄), and 0.044 in F. pubescens (C₃-C₄). In 2% O₂ an enhancement of the quantum yield was observed in all of the C₃-C₄ intermediate species, ranging from 21% in F. ramosissima to 43% in F. pubescens. In all intermediates the quantum yields in 2% O₂ were intermediate in value to the C₃ and C₄ species, indicating a co-function of the C₃ and C₄ cycles in CO₂ assimilation. The low quantum-yield values for F. pubescens and F. floridana in 21% O₂ presumably reflect an ineffcient transfer of carbon from the C₄ to the C₃ cycle. The response of the quantum yield to four increasing O₂ concentrations (2–35%) showed lower levels of O₂ inhibition in the C₃-C₄ intermediate F. ramosissima, relative to the C₃ species. This indicates that the co-function of the C₃ and C₄ cycles in this intermediate species leads to an increased CO₂ concentration at the site of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase and a concomitant decrease in the competitive inhibition by O₂.Abbreviations PEP phosphoenolpyruvate - PGA 3-phosphoglycerate - RuBP ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate     

Sulphate transport in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus R-2 (Anacystis nidulans, S. leopoliensis) PCC 7942

Synechococcus R-2 (PCC 1942) actively accumulates sulphate in the light and dark. Intracellular sulphate was 1.35 ± 0.23 mol m^?3 (light) and 0.894 ± 0.152 mol m^?3 (dark) under control conditions (BG-11 media: pH_o, 7.5; [SO₄^2?]_o, 0.304 mol m^?3). The sulphate transporter is different from that found in higher plants: it appears to be an ATP-driven pump transporting one SO₄^2?/ATP [ΔμSO₄^2?_i,o=+ 27.7 ± 0.24 kJ mol^?1 (light) and + 24 ± 0.34 kj mol^?1 (dark)]. The rate of metabolism of SO₄^2?at pH_o, 7.5 was 150 ± 28 pmol m^?2 s^?1 (n = 185) in the light but only 12.8 ± 3.6 pmol m^?2 s^?1 (n = 61) in the dark. Light-driven sulphate uptake is partially inhibited by DCMU and chloramphenicol. Sulphate uptake is not linked to potassium, proton, sodium or chloride transport. The alga has a constitutive over-capacity for sulphate uptake [light (n= 105): K_m= 0.3 ± 0.1 mmol m^?3, V_max, = 1.8 ± 0.6 nmol m^?2 s^?1; dark (n= 56): K_m= 1.4 ± 0.4 mmol m^?3, V_max= 41 ± 22 pmol m^?2 s^?1]. Sulphite (SO₃^2?) was a competitive inhibitor of sulphate uptake. Selenate (SeO₄^2?) was an uncompetitive inhibitor.