Chemoenzymatic synthesis of (1S,2R)-1-amino-2-indanol, a key intermediate of HIV protease inhibitor, indinavir

The synthesis of (1S,2R)-1-amino-2-indanol, a key component of HIV protease inhibitor is accomplished in four steps starting from indanone efficiently and with high levels of diastereo- and enantioselectivity. The starting material is converted into 2-acetoxy-1-indanone involving Manganese (III) acetate oxidation . The 2-acetoxyketone is hydrolyzed to 2-hydroxy-1-indanone enantioselectively using Rhizopus oryzae. Selective reduction of 2-hydroxyoxime derivative, derived from the 2-hydroxyketone, gives the amino alcohol up to 98% diastereo- and enantioselectivity.     

Cytochrome b-560, a new component of thylakoid membranes

During a survey of a series of electron transport mutants of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, we have observed a hitherto unrecognised component, cytochrome b-560, in a strain (F18) which entirely lacks the cytochrome bf complex. This component is present at approx. 1 nmol/mg chlorophyll, has a midpoint potential of −125 mV (n = 1) at pH 7.2 and is slowly reduced by dithionite. The cytochrome was also observed in thylakoid membranes prepared from wild-type Chlamydomonas and from higher plants after extraction of the cytochrome bf complex by detergent treatment. It could not be observed in thylakoid membrane fragments prepared from the cyanobacterium Phormidium laminosum.     

Enantiomers of cis- and trans-3-(4-propyl-cyclopent-2-enyl) propyl acetate. A study on the bioactive conformation and chiral recognition of a moth sex pheromone component

The enantiomers of cis- and trans-3-(4-propyl-cyclopent-2-enyl) propyl acetate, which are conformationally constrained analogues of (Z)-5-decenyl acetate (1), a sex pheromone component of the turnip moth, Agrotis segetum, have been synthesized and tested using the electrophysiological single-sensillum technique. The analogues mimic a cisoid and transoid conformation of 1, respectively. In addition, the enantiomers of each of the cis- and trans-isomers are conformationally constrained analogues of enantiomeric cisoid and transoid conformations of 1. Thus, the compounds prepared and tested are well suited to investigate the nature of the bioactive conformation of the natural pheromone component 1 and the chiral sense of its interaction with the receptor. Electrophysiological single-sensillum recordings show that the activity of the most active cis-isomer, which has a (1S,4R)-configuration, is more than two orders of magnitude higher than that of the most active trans-isomer. Furthermore, the (1S,4R)-isomer is at least 100 times more active than its enantiomer. These results strongly support a previously proposed cisoid bioactive conformation of 1. Furthermore, the (1S,4R)-configuration of most active stereoisomer identifies the chiral sense of the interaction between the natural pheromone component 1 and its receptor.     

Characterization and Separation of Some of the Coordination Compounds of Chromium and Aluminon

Chromic nitrate and aluminon (ATA) react to form highly colored lakes. Examination of these lakes by the Vosburgh and Cooper method has led to the identification of a pigment [(ATA)Cr(H₂O)_x] which is insoluble in water and absolute alcohol, a deep red anionic component [(ATA)_BCr(H₂O)_x]^-y, and a purplish-red cationic component [(ATA)Cr₄(H₂O)_x]^+y. These components of the lake have been isolated and separated in the dry form. The anionic compound is apparently a simple coordination compound and can be used as a cytoplasmic stain while the cationic component is a chelate and can be used as a rather selective nuclear stain. In addition to these components, a number of other components were also found. Not only the ratio between chromium and aluminon but also the concentration of the reactants influences the formation of these different components. The amount of pigment formed is maximal with a molar ratio of 1 and a concentration of 10^-2 M or 10^-1 M. The anionic component is maximal with a molar ratio of 1 Cr to 6 aluminon at the 10^-1 M concentration, the cationic component is maximal with a molar ratio of 4 chromium to 1 aluminon at the 10^-1 M concentration. None of these are formed at the 10^-4 M concentration but only a deep redpurple soluble compound at the 1 : 1 ratio, which was not further investigated.     

Identification of homologues to the pathogenicity factor Pat-1, a putative serine protease of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis

Hybridization of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis total DNA against the pathogenicity gene pat-1 indicated the presence of pat-1 homologous nucleotide sequences on the chromosome and on plasmid pCM2. Isolation of the corresponding DNA fragments and nucleotide sequence determination showed that there are three pat-1 homologous genes: chpA (chromosome) and phpA and phpB (plasmid pCM2). The gene products share common characteristics, i.e. a signal sequence for Sec-dependent secretion, a serine protease motif, and six cysteine residues at conserved positions. Gene chpA located on the chromosome is a pseudogene since it contains a translational stop codon after 97 of 280 amino acids. In contrast to pat-1, cloning of the plasmid encoded homologs phpA and phpB into the avirulent plasmid free Cmm strain CMM100 did not result in a virulent phenotype. So far no proteolytic activity could be demonstrated for Pat-1, however, site specific mutagenesis of pat-1 showed that the serine residue in the motif GDSGG is required for the virulent phenotype of pat-1 and thus Pat-1 could be a functional protease.     

Benzo(a)pyrene diolepoxide adducts to albumin in workers exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: association with specific CYP1A1, GSTM1, GSTP1 and EHPX genotypes

We investigated whether the presence of (+)-anti-benzo(a)pyrene diolepoxide adducts to serum albumin (BPDE-SA) among workers exposed to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and unexposed reference controls was influenced by genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1), microsomal epoxide hydrolase (EHPX), glutathione S-transferases M1 (GSTM1) and P1 (GSTP1), all involved in BaP metabolism. Exposed workers had significantly higher levels of adducts (0.124 ± 0.02 fmol BPTmg^-1 SA, mean ± SE) and a higher proportion of detectable adducts (40.3%) than controls (0.051 ± 0.01 fmol BPT mg^-1 SA; 16.1%) (p = 0:014 and p = 0:012). Smoking increased adduct levels only in occupationally exposed workers with the GSTM1 deletion (GSTM1 null) (p = 0:034).

Smokers from the exposed group had higher adduct levels when they were CYP1A1 *1/*1 wild-type rather than heterozygous and homozygous for the variant alleles (CYP1A1 *1/*2 plus *2/*2) (p = 0:01). The dependence of BPDE-SA adduct levels and frequency on the CYP1A1 *1/*1 genotype was most pronounced in GSTM1-deficient smokers. Exposed workers with GSTM1 null/GSTP1 variant alleles had fewer detectable adducts than those with the GSTM1 null/GSTP1*A wild-type allele, supporting for the first time the recent in vitro finding that GSTP1 variants may be more effective in the detoxification of BPDE than the wild-type allele. Logistic regression analysis indicated that occupational exposure, wild-type CYP1A1*1/*1 allele and the combination of GSTM1 null genotype+EHPX genotypes associated with predicted low enzyme activity were significant predictors of BPDE-SA adducts. Though our findings should be viewed with caution because of the relatively limited size of the population analysed, the interaction between these polymorphic enzymes and BPDE-SA adducts seems to be specific for high exposure and might have an impact on the quantitative risk estimates for exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.     

Dynamics and regulations of ecosystem light use efficiency in a broad-leaved Korean pine mixed forest,Changbai Mountain

Aims Ecosystem light use efficiency (LUE) reflects the ability of CO₂ uptake and light utilization via photosynthesis, which is a key parameter in ecosystem models to evaluate ecosystem productivity. The objectives of this study were to: (1) compare the differences of LUE derived from different methods; (2) elucidate the seasonal dynamics of LUE and its regulatory factors; and (3) evaluate the maximum LUE (LUE_max) and its variability based on eddy-covariance (EC) flux.Methods Using the flux data from an EC tower during 2003-2005 at a broad-leaved Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) mixed forest, Changbai Mountain, two types of LUE indicators were generated from: 1) the apparent quantum yield (ε) estimated with rectangular hyperbolic curve, and 2) the ecological light use efficiency (LUE_eco) calculated as the ratio between gross ecosystem productivity (GEP) and photosynthetically-active radiation (Q).Important findings The seasonal variation of ε and LUE_eco appeared a unimodal pattern within a year, with the variations significantly dominated by soil surface temperature and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). A positive correlation between GEP and LUE was found for both ε and LUE_eco, with the effect of Q on LUE relatively weak. The increase in diffusion radiation appeared favorable for enhanced LUE. Generally, there was a significant positive relationship between ε and LUE_eco, while ε was higher than LUE_eco, especially during the mid-season. The annual maximum value of ε and LUE_eco was (0.087 ± 0.003) and (0.040 ± 0.002) μmol CO₂·μmol photon^-1 over the three years, respectively. The interannual variability of LUE_max for ε and LUE_eco was 4.17% and 4.25%, respectively, with a maximum difference of >8%, likely resulted from considerable uncertainty in model simulations. Our results indicated that the inversion and optimization of maximum LUE should be taken seriously in the application of LUE models.     

无机盐、激素与真菌联合诱导土沉香抗逆能力的研究

为了探究无机盐、激素与真菌联合诱导土沉香(Aquilaria sinensis)抗逆性及其与结香前期木芯变色长度之间的相关关系,以10年生土沉香为材料,采用均匀试验设计,开展了3种无机盐、3种激素及3种真菌组合试验。结果表明:(1)土沉香树体POD和SOD活性和MDA含量呈先升高后降低趋势,CAT活性在诱导后1天最高,随后呈下降趋势;(2)无机盐与真菌处理下土沉香的抗逆能力大于激素与真菌处理,其中无机盐与真菌组合试验的处理4(1.0%CaCl2+0.5%FeSO4+2.0%NaCl+黑绿木霉∶腐皮镰孢∶龙眼焦腐(1∶1∶1))和激素与真菌组合试验的处理2(0.01%茉莉酸甲酯+0.1%乙烯利+0.2%水杨酸钠+黑绿木霉∶腐皮镰孢∶龙眼焦腐(1∶1∶1))分别为同类处理最高;(3)土沉香抗逆能力高低与木芯变色长度存在显著正相关性;(4)理论上,土沉香抗逆能力最强诱导组合分别为0.93%CaCl2+0.53%FeSO4+2.5%NaCl+黑绿木霉∶腐皮镰孢∶龙眼焦腐(1∶1∶1)和0.005%茉莉酸甲酯+0.006%乙烯利+0.2%水杨酸钠+黑绿木霉∶腐皮镰孢∶龙眼焦腐(1∶1∶1)。     

Molecular structures and some properties of tris(2-aminoethyl) amine cobalt(III) complexes with thiocarboxylato-O,S such as 3-mercaptopropionato, 2-mercaptoacetato and their derivatives

Cobalt(III) complexes with a thiolate or thioether ligand, t-[Co(mp)(tren)]⁺ (2), t-[Co(mtp)(tren)]²⁺ (1Me) and t-[Co(mta)(tren)]²⁺ (2Me), (mp = 3-mercaptopropionate, MA = 3-(methylthio)propionate and MTA = 2-(methylthio)acetate) have been prepared in aqueous solutions. The crystal structures of 1, 2, 1Me and 2Me were determined by X-ray diffraction methods. The crystal data are as follows, t-[Co(mp)(tren)]ClO₄ (1CIO₄): monoclinic, P2₁/n, A = 10.877(8), B = 11.570(4), c = 12.173(7) Å, β = 92.20(5)°, V = 1531(1) ų, Z = 4 and R = 0.060; t-[Co(ma)(tren)]Cl·3H₂O (2Cl·3H₂O): monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 7.7688(8), B = 27.128(2), C = 7.858(1) Å, β = 100.63(1)°, V = 1627.7(3) ų, Z = 4 and R = 0.066; (+)₄₆₅^CD-t-[Co(mtp)(tren)](ClO₄)₂ ((+)₄₆₅^CD-1Me(ClO₄)₂): orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, A = 10.6610(7), B = 11.746(1), C = 15.555(1) Å, V = 1947.9(3) ų, Z = 4 and R = 0.068; (+)₄₆₅^CD-t-[Co(mta)(tren)](ClO₄)₂ ((+)₄₆₅^CD-2Me(ClO₄)₂): orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, a = 10.564(1), B = 11.375(1), C = 15.434(2) Å, V = 1854.7(4) ų, Z = 4 and R = 0.047. All central Co(III) atoms have approximately octahedral geometry, coordinated by four N, one O, and one S atoms. All of the complexes are only isomer, of which the sulfur atom in the didentate-O,S ligands are located at the trans position to the tertiary amine nitrogen atom of tren. 1 and 1Me contain six-membered chelate ring, and 2 and 2Me do five-membered chelate ring in the didentate ligand. The chirality of the asymmetric sulfur donor atom in (+)₄₆₅^CD-1Me is the S configuration and that in (+)₄₆₅^CD-2Me is the R one. The ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and electronic absorption spectral behaviors and electrochemical properties of the present complexes are discussed in relation to their stereochemistries.     

长白山阔叶红松林生态系统光能利用率的动态变化及其主控因子

生态系统光能利用率(LUE)反映了植被通过光合作用利用光能吸收和固定大气中CO₂的能力, 是表征生态系统生产力的重要指标。选取长白山温带阔叶红松(Pinus koraiensis)林生态系统为研究对象, 利用涡度相关通量观测数据, 采用直角双曲线方程获取了生态系统光合作用的表观量子效率(ε); 基于总生态系统初级生产力(GEP)与下垫面入射光合有效辐射(Q)的比值得到生态光能利用率(LUE_eco)。研究表明: 在季节尺度上, ε与LUE_eco均表现出显著的单峰变化特征, 并主要受到土壤温度和归一化植被指数(NDVI)的调控, 同时, ε和LUE_eco都受到GEP的显著影响, 而与Q的相关性较弱或无显著相关关系, 但散射辐射的增加在一定程度上有助于提高生态系统的LUE。ε与LUE_eco存在显著的线性正相关关系, 但ε明显高于LUE_eco。2003-2005年, ε与LUE_eco每年最大值的平均值分别为(0.087 ± 0.003)和(0.040 ± 0.002) μmol CO₂·μmol photon^-1, 年际间变异度分别为4.17%和4.25%, 而不同年份之间最大差异均达到8%或8%以上, 从而对模型模拟结果产生明显影响。因此, 在基于光能利用率模型的模拟研究中, 最大LUE的年际变异需要在参数反演和优化中给予重要考虑。     

A comparison of hemoglobins in five species of Microtus

The composition of tryptic peptides was determined for Hb (major or fast electrophoretic component) from four additional species of Microtus; M. p. pennsylvanicus, M. abbreviatus, M. miurus, and M. oeconomus, The amino acids from the four Hb were compared with Hb from M. p. tananaensis, and, on the basis of the combination of analyses for the several Hb. Ca 95% of the overall amino acid composition was considered. The compositions of most of the homologous peptides were identical, and two deletions in the sequence of 21 amino acids β 41–61 are believed to characterize the Hb of all four species. From differences in peptide composition the following substitutions were inferred. In the β chain, M. pennsylvanicus (2 ssp) differed from other species at two positions, 8: Ser vs Thr and 12: Thr vs Ash. In the β chain M. pennsylvanicus (2 ssp) differed from other species at two positions, β45: Phe vs Leu, and β50: Ser-Glx vs Thr. M. p. pennsylvanicus differed from M. p. tananaensis at position β88: Val-Leu vs Leu. All species showed ambiguity among the amino acids Ala-Ser-Phe-Leu centred presumably in positions β129 and β130. On the basis of an incomplete examination, the slow electrophoretic component of M. abbreviatus Hb could not be seen to differ from the fast component in its peptide map or in the general composition of its and β peptides.     

Fjx1, the murine homologue of the Drosophila four-jointed gene, codes for a putative secreted protein expressed in restricted domains of the developing and adult brain

The Drosophila gene four jointed (fj) codes for a secreted or cell surface protein important for growth and differentiation of legs and wings and for proper development of the eyes. Here we report the cloning of the mouse four-jointed gene (fjx1) and its pattern of expression in the brain during embryogenesis and in the adult. In the neural plate, fjx1 is expressed in the presumptive forebrain and midbrain, and in rhombomere 4, however a small rostral/medial area of the forebrain primordium is devoid of expression. Expression of fjx1 in the neural tube can be divided into three phases. (1) In the embryonic brain fjx1 is expressed in two patches of neuroepithelium: in the midbrain tectum and the telencephalic vesicles. (2) In fetal and early postnatal brain fjx1 is expressed mainly by the primordia of layered telencephalic structures: cortex (ventricular layer and cortical plate), olfactory bulb (subependymal layer and in the mitral cell layer). In addition expression is observed in the superior colliculus. (3) In the adult, fjx1 is expressed by neurons evenly distributed in the telencephalon (isocortex, striatum, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, piriform cortex), in the Purkinje cell layer of the cerebellum, and numerous medullary nuclei. In the embryo, strong expression can further be seen in the apical ectodermal ridge of fore- and hindlimbs and in the ectoderm of the branchial arches.     

Studies of the cation complexing ability of crowns Part I. Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of diazacrowns and their barium complexes

A number of N,N′-bis(4-substituted phenyl)-1,7-diaza-12-crown-4 and N,N′-bis(4-substituted phenyl)-1, 10-diaza-18-crown-6 (where the substituents are OCH₃, CH₃, H, Cl, respectively) have been prepared by cyclization reaction of a ditosylate with the appropriately substituted diol. These new macrocyclic ligands have been characterized by means of elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR and MS spectra. The crystal structures of N,N′-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,10-diaza-18-crown-6 (21) and its complex with barium thiocyanate Ba(SCN)₂ (22) have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystallographic data are as follows: 21: C₂₄H₃₂Cl₂N₂O₄, orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, A=4.852(1), B=11.989(2), C=41.231(8) Å, V=2398.7(8) ų, Z=4; 22: C₂₆H₃₂Cl₂N₄O₄S₂Ba, monoclinic, P2₁/c, A=8.801(2), B=11.653(9), C=15.756(6) Å, ß=105.96(3)°, V=1553.7(14) ų, Z=2. In the complex, the Ba atom is eight-coordinate (O(1), O(2), O(1)′, O(2)′, N(1), N(1)′, N(21), N(21)′) to form a distorted D_6h geometry with the Ba atom at the center of crystallographic symmetry.     

Temperature—composition phase diagram and gel properties of the gelatin—starch—water system

The gelatin-starch-water system has been studied at different temperatures, at a total biopolymer concentration of 5.0 wt%. The weight ratios (W) of gelatin/ starch used were 9:1, 8:2.4. 2:8, 1:9, with pH values between 5.82 (at W = 9:1) and 6.50 (at W = 1:9). The systems were characterized rheologically and by turbidity measurements to construct a phase diagram in the temperature (T) and composition (W) variables. The T-W quadrant consists of three regions: a singlephase solutions region (A) and regions of complete and incomplete phase separation (B and C, respectively). The system in region C is a gel. Region B, lying between A and C, corresponds to two co-existing liquid phases. The transition from A to C (obtained by cooling the system at constant W) involves crossing region B. The properties of the resulting gels depend on the rate of this intersection. Gels formed on rapid cooling have an even distribution of turbidity, whereas slow cooling gives two gel layers of different turbidity. The gelation temperature and gel strength of the mixed systems are dominated by the gelatin component, with no indication of network formation by starch.     

Comparative analysis of structure, expression and PSD95-binding capacity of Lrfn, a novel family of neuronal transmembrane proteins

Leucine-rich repeat and fibronectin III domain-containing (Lrfn) has five members in mouse and human (Lrfn1, Lrfn2, Lrfn3, Lrfn4, Lrfn5), and homologues in other vertebrates. Lrfn proteins share leucine-rich repeat (LRR)–immunoglobulin-like (Ig)–fibronectin type III (Fn)–transmembrane domain structure, which is also found in LRR–Ig–Fn superfamily proteins. Mouse Lrfn genes were expressed at adult stage predominantly in the brain. In the course of development, expression of Lrfn1, Lrfn3, and Lrfn4 started from immature neural cells, whereas that of Lrfn2 and Lrfn5 was limited to mature ones. Lrfn1–5 commonly encode glycoproteins spanning the plasma membrane, with their N-terminus located on the extracellular side. C-termini of Lrfn1, Lrfn2 and Lrfn4 were bound by PDZ domains of postsynaptic protein PSD95, re-distributing PSD95 to cell periphery where the Lrfn proteins were detected. These results suggest that Lrfn proteins are neuronal components with a role in the developing or mature vertebrate nervous system.     

The ER-associated degradation component Der1p and its homolog Dfm1p are contained in complexes with distinct cofactors of the ATPase Cdc48p

Misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are often degraded in the cytosol by a process called ER-associated protein degradation (ERAD). During ERAD in S. cerevisiae, the ATPase Cdc48p associates with Der1p, a putative component of a retro-translocation channel. Cdc48p also binds a homolog of Der1p, Dfm1p, that has no known function in ERAD. Here, we show that Der1p and Dfm1p are contained in distinct complexes. While the complexes share several ERAD components, only the Dfm1p complex contains the Cdc48p cofactors Ubx1p and Ubx7p, while the Der1p complex is enriched in Ufd1p. These data suggest distinct functions for the Der1p and Dfm1p complexes.

Structured summary

MINT-6491003:

Ufd1-SA (uniprotkb:P53044) physically interacts (MI:0218) with Der1-HA (uniprotkb:P38307) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

MINT-6490940:

Der1-SA (uniprotkb:P38307) physically interacts (MI:0218) with Cdc48 (uniprotkb:P25694), Usa1 (uniprotkb:Q03714), Hrd3 (uniprotkb:Q05787), Hrd1 (uniprotkb:Q08109), Ubx2 (uniprotkb:Q04228), Yos9 (uniprotkb:Q99220), Npl4 (uniprotkb:P33755) and Ufd1 (uniprotkb:P53044) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

MINT-6490972:

Dfm1-CA (uniprotkb:Q12743) physically interacts (MI:0218) with Ubx7 (uniprotkb:P38349), Ubx1 (uniprotkb:P34223), Kar2 (uniprotkb:P16474), Npl4 (uniprotkb:P33755), Yos9 (uniprotkb:Q99220),Ubx2 (uniprotkb:Q04228), Hrd1 (uniprotkb:Q08109), Hrd3 (uniprotkb:Q05787), Usa1 (uniprotkb:Q03714) and Cdc48 (uniprotkb:P25694) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

MINT-6491016:

Ufd1-SA (uniprotkb:P53044) physically interacts (MI:0218) with Dfm1-HA (uniprotkb:Q12743) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

MINT-6491041:

Ubx7-SA (uniprotkb:P38349) physically interacts (MI:0218) with Dfm1-HA (uniprotkb:Q12743) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

MINT-6490909:

Dfm1-CA (uniprotkb:Q12743) physically interacts (MI:0218) with Dfm1-HA (uniprotkb:Q12743) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

MINT-6491029:

Ubx1-SA (uniprotkb:P34223) physically interacts (MI:0218) with Dfm1-HA (uniprotkb:Q12743) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

MINT-6490896:

Der1-SA (uniprotkb:P38307) physically interacts (MI:0218) with Der1-HA (uniprotkb:P38307) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)

Expression and evolution of delta9 and delta11 desaturase genes in the moth Spodoptera littoralis

Desaturation of fatty acids is a key reaction in the biosynthesis of moth sex pheromones. The main component of Spodoptera littoralis sex pheromone blend is produced by the action of Δ¹¹ and Δ⁹ desaturases. In this article, we report on the cloning of four desaturase-like genes in this species: one from the fat body (Sls-FL1) and three (Sls-FL2, Sls-FL3 and Sls-FL4) from the pheromone gland. By means of a computational/phylogenetic method, as well as functional assays, the desaturase gene products have been characterized. The fat body gene expressed a Δ⁹ desaturase that produced (Z)-9-hexadecenoic and (Z)-9-octadecenoic acids in a (1:4.5) ratio, whereas the pheromone gland Sls-FL2 expressed a Δ⁹ desaturase that produced (Z)-9-hexadecenoic and (Z)-9-octadecenoic acids in a (1.5:1) ratio. Although both Δ⁹ desaturases produced (Z)-9-tetradecenoic acid from myristic acid, transformed yeast grown in the presence of a mixture of myristic and (E)-11-tetradecenoic acids produced (Z,E)-9,11-tetradecadienoic acid, but not (Z)-9-tetradecenoic acid. The Sls-FL3 gene expressed a protein that produced a mixture of (E)-11-tetradecenoic, (Z)-11-tetradecenoic, (Z)-11-hexadecenoic and (Z)-11-octadecenoic acids in a 5:4:60:31 ratio. Despite having all the characteristics of a desaturase gene, no function could be found for Sls-FL4.     

Volatiles released from oak, a host tree for the bark beetle Scolytus intricatus

Volatile compounds emitted in different phases of oak (Quercus robur) development (bark, unopened buds, young developing leaves, and blossoms) were analyzed with the aim of finding possible host-plant attractants for the European oak bark beetle, Scolytus intricatus. Complex mixtures of aliphatic, aromatic, and terpenoid compounds were identified in the samples. (E)-2-Hexenal and hexanal dominated in samples of bark. In buds, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate formed a substantial part of the mixture. In both leaves and blossoms (E,E)--farnesene was the main component.

Volatiles released from oak twigs and branches during both the maturation feeding and construction of maternal galleries by Scolytus intricatus were also analyzed. Most compounds found in the samples from females’ and males’ maturation feeding were identical. High contents of anisole, (E)-β-ocimene, -copaene, one unidentified sesquiterpenic hydrocarbon C₁₅H₂₄ and β-caryophyllene were found in both samples of twigs attacked by beetles. During the construction of maternal galleries by bark beetles in oak logs, monoterpene hydrocarbons such as p-cymene, (E)-β-ocimene, and γ-terpinene, and sesquiterpenes -copaene and β-caryophyllene were released in large quantities. No new compound appeared when males were added to the log with feeding females.