The TF1-ATPase and ATPase activities of assembled α3β3γ, α3β3γδ, and α3β3γε complexes are stimulated by low and inhibited by high concentrations of rhodamine 6G whereas the dye only inhibits the α3β3, and α3β3δ complexes

The ATPase activity of the F₁-ATPase from the thermophilic bacterium PS3 is stimulated at concentrations of rhodamine 6G up to about 10 µM where 70% stimulation is observed at 36°C. Half maximal stimulation is observed at about 3 µM dye. At rhodamine 6G concentrations greater than 10 µM, ATPase activity declines with 50% inhibition observed at about 75 µM dye. The ATPase activities of the ₃₃ and ₃₃ complexes assembled from isolated subunits of TF₁ expressed inE. coli deleted of theunc operon respond to increasing concentrations of rhodamine 6G nearly identically to the response of TF₁. In contrast, the ATPase activities of the ₃₃ and ₃₃ complexes are only inhibited by rhodamine 6G with 50% inhibition observed, respectively, at 35 and 75 µM dye at 36°C. The ATPase activity of TF₁ is stimulated up to 4-fold by the neutral detergent, LDAO. In the presence of stimulating concentrations of LDAO, the ATPase activity of TF₁ is no longer stimulated by rhodamine 6G, but rather, it is inhibited with 50% inhibition observed at about 30 µM dye at 30°C. One interpretation of these results is that binding of rhodamine 6G to a high-affinity site on TF₁ stimulates ATPase activity and unmasks a low-affinity, inhibitory site for the dye which is also exposed by LDAO.     

Formation of the S2 state and structure of the Mn complex in photosystem II lacking the extrinsic 33 kilodalton polypeptide

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and O₂ evolution assays were performed on photosystem II (PSII) membranes which had been treated with 1 M CaCl₂ to release the 17, 23 and 33 kilodalton (kDa) extrinsic polypeptides. Manganese was not released from PSII membranes by this treatment as long as a high concentration of chloride was maintained. We have quantitated the EPR signals of the several electron donors and acceptors of PSII that are photooxidized or reduced in a single stable charge separation over the temperature range of 77 to 240 K. The behavior of the samples was qualitatively similar to that observed in samples depleted of only the 17 and 23 kDa polypeptides (de Paula et al. (1986) Biochemistry25, 6487–6494). In both cases, the S₂ state multiline EPR signal was observed in high yield and its formation required bound Ca²⁺. The lineshape of the S₂ state multiline EPR signal and the magnetic properties of the manganese site were virtually identical to those of untreated PSII membranes. These results suggest that the structure of the manganese site is unaffected by removal of the 33 kDa polypeptide. Nevertheless, in samples lacking the 33 kDa polypeptide a stable charge separation could only be produced in about one half of the reaction centers below 160 K, in contrast to the result obtained in untreated or 17 and 23 kDa polypeptide-depleted PSII membranes. This suggests that one function of the 33 kDa polypeptide is to stabilize conformations of PSII that are active in secondary electron transfer events.Abbreviations Chl- chlorophyll - DCBQ- 2,5-dichloro-p-benzoquinone - DCMU- (diuron) 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea - EGTA- ethylene glycol bis-(-aminoethyl ether) N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid - EPR- electron paramagnetic resonance - HSB- high salt buffer - HSCaB- high salt Ca²⁺ buffer - kDa- kilodalton - MES- 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid - P680- primary electron donor in PSII - PaGE- polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis - PSII- Photosystem II - Q_A- primary quinone electron acceptor in PSII - RB- resuspension buffer - TMPD- N,N,N,N-tetramethyl-p- phenylenediamine - Tris- tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane - TX100- Triton X-100 - Z- endogenous electron donor to P680⁺     

Effects of ganglioside GM1 on the thermotropic behavior of cholera toxin B subunit

Summary The B, or binding, subunit of cholera enterotoxin forms a pentameric ring structure in the intact toxin, and also when the subunit is isolated from the A subunit. The thermal denaturation of the B subunit ring was examined by differential scanning calorimetry in the presence and absence of ganglioside G_M1, its natural receptor. In the absence of ganglioside an irreversible endotherm was observed with maximal excess apparent heat capacity, C_max, at 74.6° C. When the ganglioside was added in increasing amounts, multiple transitions were observed at higher temperatures, the most prominent having a C_max at 90.8° C. At high ganglioside concentrations, the 74.6° C transition was not observed. In addition to the thermodynamic results a model is proposed for the interaction of G_M1 and B subunit pentamer. This model is derived independently of the calorimetric results (but is consistent with such data) and is based upon considerations of the geometry of the G_M1 micelle-B subunit pentamer.Abbreviations M_r molecular weight in daltons - G_M1 H³Neu-AcGgOse₄Cer^* = Gall 3Ga1NAc1 4Gal-[3 - 2NeuAc]1 4Glc1 1Cer (asterisked form follows the recommendations of the IUPACIUB Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature, Ref. 3) - R molar ratio of G_M1 to B monomer - DSC differential scanning calorimetry - C_max excess apparent heat capacity - C_max maximal value of C_ex - t_m temperature (° C) at C_ex = C_max - t_1/2 peak width in °C at C_ex = C_max/2 - H_cal calorimetric enthalpy - C _p ^d van't Hoff enthalpy - C _p ^d change in specific heat accompanying denaturation     

Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase from Thiobacillus A2. Its purification and properties

Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.39) from Thiobacillus A2 has been purified to homogeneity on the basis of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and U.V. analysis during sedimentation velocity studies. The enzyme had an optimum pH of about 8.2 with Tris-HCl buffers. The molecular weight was about 521000 with an S _rel. of 16.9. K _m for RuBP was 122 M, for total CO₂ it was 4.17 mM, and for Mg²⁺ 20.0 M. The absolute requirement for a divalent cation was satisfied by Mg²⁺ which was replaceable to a certain extent by Mn²⁺. Activity was not significantly affected by SO ₄ ^2- , SO ₃ ^2- , or S₂O ₃ ^2- at 1.0 mM. At this concentration S^2- caused a 27% stimulation. All mercurials tested were inhibitory. pHMB was the most potent causing about 60% inhibition at 0.01 mM. This inhibition was reversible by low concentrations of cysteine. Cyanide was also inhibitory. Its mode of inhibition with respect to RuBP was un-competitive and with a K _i of 20 M. Lost activity could be restored partially by GSH or Cu²⁺. Although azide at the concentration tested had no significant effect on enzyme activity, 2,4-dinitrophenol at 1.0 mM caused 91% inhibition. Finally, activity was also affected by energy charge.Abbreviations ATP adenosine-5-triphosphate - GAPDH glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase - GSH (reduced) glutathione - G6P glucose-6-phosphate - NAD⁺ nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide - NADP⁺ nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate - pHMB parahydroxymercuribenzoate - 6PG 6-phosphogluconate - 3-PGA 3-phosphoglycerate - PGK phosphoglyceratekinase - RuBP ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate     

A nucleophilic reaction of acetylacetonatocobalt(III) complexes with nitriles in Lewis acidic conditions

Under Lewis acidic conditions, tris(acetylacetonato)cobalt(Co(acac)₃) reacted with ethoxymethylenemalononitrile (ETMN), analogous derivatives and general aliphatic nitriles to give a new type of β-imino-cobalt(III) complexes. A possible mechanism for this reaction is proposed. In the case of ethyl acetocyanoacetate, an acylated γ-acetylimino-cobalt(III) complex was isolated. The structure of the complex was explained supporting the proposed mechanism. The crystal structures of several complexes were determined by X-ray diffraction. One of the complexes showed prominent crystal dichroic properties in the first absorption band region. Benzoyl cyanide and phthalonitrile did not react with Co(acac)₃ under the same conditions.     

Adenine nucleotides and the xanthophyll cycle in leaves

The relationships among the leaf adenylate energy charge, the xanthophyll-cycle components, and photosystem II (PSII) fluorescence quenching were determined in leaves of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. Acala) under different leaf temperatures and different intercellular CO₂ concentrations (C_i). Attenuating the rate of photosynthesis by lowering the C_i at a given temperature and photon flux density increased the concentration of high-energy adenylate phosphate bonds (adenylate energy charge) in the cell by restricting ATP consumption (A.M. Gilmore, O. Björkman 1994, Planta 192, 526–536). In this study we show that decreases in photosynthesis and increases in the adenylate energy charge at steady state were both correlated with decreases in PSII photo-chemical efficiency as determined by chlorophyll fluorescence analysis. Attenuating photosynthesis by decreasing C_i also stimulated violaxanthin-de-epoxidation-dependent nonradiative dissipation (NRD) of excess energy in PSII, measured by nonphotochemical fluorescence quenching. However, high NRD levels, which indicate a large trans-thylakoid proton gradient, were not dependent on a high adenylate energy charge, especially at low temperatures. Moreover, dithiothreitol at concentrations sufficient to fully inhibit violaxanthin de-epoxidation and strongly inhibit NRD, affected neither the increased adenylate energy charge nor the decreased PSII photo-chemical efficiency that result from inhibiting photosynthesis. The build-up of a high adenylate energy charge in the light that took place at low C_i and low temperatures was accompanied by a slowing of the relaxation of non-photochemical fluorescence quenching after darkening. This slowly relaxing component of nonphotochemical quenching was also correlated with a sustained high adenylate energy charge in the dark. These results indicate that hydrolysis of ATP that accumulated in the light may acidify the lumen and thus sustain the level of NRD for extended periods after darkening the leaf. Hence, sustained nonphotochemical quenching often observed in leaves subjected to stress, rather than being indicative of photoinhibitory damage, apparently reflects the continued operation of NRD, a photoprotective process.Abbreviations A antheraxanthin - adenylate kinase (myokinase), ATP:AMPphosphotransferase - C_i intercellular CO₂ concentration - DPS de-epoxidation state of violaxanthin, ([Z+A]/[V+A+Z]) - DTT dithiothreitol - pH trans-thylakoid proton gradient - [2ATP+ADP] - F steady-state fluorescence in the presence of NRD - F_M maximal fluorescence in the absence of NRD - F_M maximal fluorescence in the presence of NRD - NRD nonradiative energy dissipation - PET photosynthetic electron transport rate - PFD photon flux density - _PSII photon yield of PSII photochemistry at the actual reduction state in the light or dark - Q_A the primary electron acceptor of PSII - [ATP+ADP+AMP] - SV_N Stern-Volmer nonphotochemical quenching - V violaxanthin - Z zeaxanthin We thank Connie Shih for skillful assistance in growing plants and for conducting HPLC analyses. A Carnegie Institution Fellowship to A.G. is also gratefully acknowledged.     

Reconstructing atmospheric carbon dioxide with stomata: possibilities and limitations of a botanical pCO2-sensor

Stomatal frequency is often observed to vary inversely with atmospheric CO₂ concentration (pCO₂). The response is due to (1) individual phenotypic plasticity and (2) evolutionary change, depending on the time scale. Evolutionary responses occur more frequently than individual responses and individual responses are more pronounced under subambient pCO₂ levels than under elevated pCO₂ (CO₂ ceiling). The evolutionary response appears therefore to be a valuable device for determining past pCO₂. Since tree leaves often represent a conspicuous and rich resource of fossil material, they are increasingly important in this respect. Additionally, certain tree species are considered to represent living fossils and therefore valuable sources of ancient stomatal data. There are, however, numerous difficulties which have to be considered such as: (1) high variance of the data, especially for fossil material, (2) interspecific differences of the response, (3) the CO₂ ceiling and (4) differences between short-term and long-term responses. Whereas the qualitative pCO₂ signal of stomatal frequency appears to be reliable, quantitative pCO₂ reconstruction has to be performed with caution. The results of a number of studies which used stomatal frequency as a pCO₂ sensor demonstrate good agreement with the results obtained with other proxy data. Current techniques are based on transfer functions which calibrate the fossil data with extant material. It is suggested that a mechanistic approach including physical as well as physiological processes could improve pCO₂ reconstruction. Furthermore, the topic of the influence of pCO₂ on stomatal frequency is significant not only for reconstructing past pCO₂ but also with respect to the climate-biosphere interrelationship.     

Phospholipase A2 induced effects on the structural organization and physical properties of pea chloroplast membranes

Phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂)-induced effects on the membrane organization, fluidity properties and surface charge density of pea chloroplasts were investigated. It was observed that lipolytic treatment with PLA₂ altered the chloroplast structure having as a result a swelling of thylakoids and a total destruction of normal granal structure. In spite of this, the thylakoid membranes remained in close contact. At the same time, a slight decrease of surface charge density was registered, thus explaining the adhesion of swelled membranes. Fluorescence polarization of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) was measured during PLA₂ treatment. A pronounced decrease of DPH fluorescence polarization was found, indicating that phospholipase treatment resulted in considerable disordering and/or fluidization of the thylakoid membranes. The increased fluidity could be attributed to the destabilizing effect of the products of enzymatic hydrolysis of the phospholipids (free fatty acids, lysophospholipids) on the bilayer structure of thylakoids membranes.Abbreviations 9-AA 9-aminoacridine - BSA bovine serium albumin - DCMU 3-/3,4-dichlorophenyl-1,1-dimethyl/urea - DPH 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene - EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid - HEPES N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N-2-ethanesulfonic acid - LHC light harvesting chlorophyll a/b-protein complex of PS II - MES 2/N-morpholine/ethanesulfonic acid - PLA₂ phospholipase A₂ - PS I, PS II photosystem I and photosystem II, respectively - S lipid structural order parameter - THF tetrahydrofuran - TRICINE N-/tris/hydroxymethyl/methyl/glicine     

Expression of the C3-C4 intermediate character in somatic hybrids between Brassica napus and the C3-C4 species Moricandia arvensis

The wild crucifer Moricandia arvensis is a potential source of alien genes for the genetic improvement of related Brassica crops. In particular M. arvensis has a C₃-C₄ intermediate photosynthetic mechanism which results in enhanced recapture of photorespired CO₂ and may increase plant water-use efficiency. In order to transfer this trait into Brassica napus, somatic hybridisations were made between leaf mesophyll protoplasts from cultured M. arvensis shoot tips and hypocotyl protoplasts from three Brassica napus cultivars, Ariana, Cobra and Westar. A total of 23 plants were recovered from fusion experiments and established in the greenhouse. A wide range of chromosome numbers were observed among the regenerated plants, including some apparent mixoploids. Thirteen of the regenerated plants were identified as nuclear hybrids between B. napus and M. arvensis on the basis of isozyme analysis. The phenotypes of these hybrids were typically rather B. napus-like, but much variability was observed, including variation in flower colour, leaf shape and colour, leaf waxiness, fertility and plant vigour. CO₂ compensation point measurements on the regenerated plants demonstrated that 3 of the hybrids express the M. arvensis C₃-C₄ intermediate character at the physiological level. Semi-thin sections through leaf tissues of these 3 plants revealed the presence of a Kranz-like leaf anatomy characteristic of M. arvensis but not found in B. napus. This is the first report of the expression of this potentially important agronomic trait, transferred from Moricandia, in M. arvensis x B. napus hybrids.     

Evolutionary relationship between Enterobacteriaceae: comparison of the ATP synthases (F1F0) of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae

The ATP synthase complex of Klebsiella pneumoniae (KF₁F₀) has been purified and characterized. SDS-gel electrophoresis of the purified F₁F₀ complexes revealed an identical subunit pattern for E. coli (EF₁F₀) and K. pneumoniae. Antibodies raised against EF₁ complex and purified EF₀ subunits recognized the corresponding polypeptides of EF₁F₀ and KF₁F₀ in immunoblot analysis. Protease digestion of the individual subunits generated an identical cleavage pattern for subunits , , , , a, and c of both enzymes. Only for subunit different cleavage products were obtained. The isolated subunit c of both organisms showed only a slight deviation in the amino acid composition. These data suggest that extensive homologies exist in primary and secondary structure of both ATP synthase complexes reflecting a close phylogenetic relationship between the two enterobacteric tribes.Abbreviations ACMA 9-amino-6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine - DCCD N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide - FITC fluorescein isothiocyanate - SDS sodium dodecyl sulfate - TTFB 4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-2-trifluoromethylbenzimidazole     

Modulation at a Distance of Proton Conductance through the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mitochondrial F1F0-ATP Synthase by Variants of the Oligomycin Sensitivity-Conferring Protein Containing Substitutions near the C-Terminus

We have sought to elucidate how the oligomycin sensitivity-conferring protein (OSCP) of the mitochondrial F₁F₀-ATP synthase (mtATPase) can influence proton channel function. Variants of OSCP, from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, having amino acid substitutions at a strictly conserved residue (Gly166) were expressed in place of normal OSCP. Cells expressing the OSCP variants were able to grow on nonfermentable substrates, albeit with some increase in generation time. Moreover, these strains exhibited increased sensitivity to oligomycin, suggestive of modification in functional interactions between the F₁ and F₀ sectors mediated by OSCP. Bioenergetic analysis of mitochondria from cells expressing OSCP variants indicated an increased respiratory rate under conditions of no net ATP synthesis. Using specific inhibitors of mtATPase, in conjunction with measurement of changes in mitochondrial transmembrane potential, it was revealed that this increased respiratory rate was a result of increased proton flux through the F₀ sector. This proton conductance, which is not coupled to phosphorylation, is exquisitely sensitive to inhibition by oligomycin. Nevertheless, the oxidative phosphorylation capacity of these mitochondria from cells expressing OSCP variants was no different to that of the control. These results suggest that the incorporation of OSCP variants into functional ATP synthase complexes can display effects in the control of proton flux through the F₀ sector, most likely mediated through altered protein—protein contacts within the enzyme complex. This conclusion is supported by data indicating impaired stability of solubilized mtATPase complexes that is not, however, reflected in the assembly of functional enzyme complexes in vivo. Given a location for OSCP atop the F₁-₃₃ hexamer that is distant from the proton channel, then the modulation of proton flux by OSCP must occur at a distance. We consider how subtle conformational changes in OSCP may be transmitted to F₀.     

The VD1/RPD2 neuronal system in the central nervous system of the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis studied by in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry

Summary VD₁ and RPD₂ are two giant neuropeptidergic neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) of the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis. We wished to determine whether other central neurons in the CNS of L. stagnalis express the VD₁/RPD₂ gene. To this end, in situ hybridization with the cDNA probe of the VD₁/RPD₂ gene and immunocytochemistry with antisera specific to VD₁ and RPD₂ (the 1-antiserum, Mab4H5 and ALMA 6) and to R₁₅ (the 1 and 16-mer antisera) were performed on alternate tissue sections. A VD₁/RPD₂ neuronal system comprising three classes of neurons (A1–A3) was found. All neurons of the system express the gene. Division into classes is based on immunocytochemical characteristics. Class A1 neurons (VD₁ and RPD₂) immunoreact with the 1-antiserum, Mab4H5 and ALMA 6. Class A2 neurons (1–5 small and 1–5 medium sized neurons in the visceral and right parietal ganglion, and two clusters of small neurons and 5 medium-sized neurons in the cerebral ganglia) immunoreact with the 1-antiserum and Mab4H5, but not with ALMA 6. Class A3 neurons (3–4 medium-sized neurons and a cluster of 4–5 small neurons located in the pedal ganglion) immunoreact with the 1-antiserum only. All neurons of the system are immunonegative to the R₁₅ antisera. The observations suggest that the neurons of the VD₁/RPD₂ system produce different sets of neuropeptides. A group of approximately 15 neurons (class B), scattered in the ganglia, immunostained with one or more of the antisera, but did not react with the cDNA probe in in situ hybridization.     

Mutation of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii analogue of residue M210 of the Rhodobacter sphaeroides reaction center slows primary electron transfer in Photosystem II

Primary charge separation within Photosystem II (PS II) is much slower (time constant 21 ps) than the equivalent step in the related reaction center (RC) found in purple bacteria ( 3 ps). In the case of the bacterial RC, replacement of a specific tyrosine residue within the M subunit (at position 210 in Rhodobacter sphaeroides), by a leucine residue slows down charge separation to 20 ps. Significantly the analogous residue in PS II, within the D2 polypeptide, is a leucine not a tyrosine (at position D2-205, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii numbering). Consequently, it has been postulated [Hastings et al. (1992) Biochemistry 31: 7638–7647] that the rate of electron transfer could be increased in PS II by replacing this leucine residue with tyrosine. We have tested this hypothesis by constructing the D2-Leu205Tyr mutant in the green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, through transformation of the chloroplast genome. Primary charge separation was examined in isolated PS II RCs by time-resolved optical spectroscopy and was found to occur with a time constant of 40 ps. We conclude that mutation of D2-Leu205 to Tyr does not increase the rate of charge separation in PS II. The slower kinetics of primary charge separation in wild type PS II are probably not due to a specific difference in primary structure compared with the bacterial RC but rather a consequence of the P680 singlet excited state being a shallower trap for excitation energy within the reaction center.     

Synthesis of Aminoethyl Glycosides of the Ganglioside GM1 and Asialo-GM1 Oligosaccharide Chains

4-O-Glycosylation of 2-azidoethyl 2,3,6-tri-O-benzyl-4-O-(2,3-di-O-benzyl-6-O-benzoyl--D-galactopyranosyl)--D-glucopyranoside with a disaccharide donor, 4-trichloroacetamidophenyl 4,6-di-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-3-O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl--D-galactopyranosyl)-1-thio-2-trichloroacetamido--D-galactopyranoside, in dichloromethane in the presence of N-iodosuccinimide and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid resulted in a tetrasaccharide, 2-azidoethyl (2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl--D-galactopyranosyl)-(1 3)-(4,6-di-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-trichloroacetamido--D-galactopyranosyl)-(1 4)-(2,3-di-O-benzyl-6-O-benzoyl--D-galactopyranosyl)-(1 4)-2,3,6-tri-O-benzyl--D-glucopyranoside, in 69% yield. The complete removal of O-protecting groups in the tetrasaccharide, the replacement of N-trichloroacetyl by N-acetyl group, and the reduction of the aglycone azide group to amine led to the target aminoethyl glycoside of -D-Gal-(1 3)--D-GalNAc-(1 4)--D-Gal-(1 4)--D-Glc-OCH₂CH₂NH₂ containing the oligosaccharide chain of asialo-GM₁ ganglioside in 72% overall yield. Selective 3-O-glycosylation of 2-azidoethyl 2,3,6-tri-O-benzyl-4-O-(2,6-di-O-benzyl--D-galactopyranosyl)--D-glucopyranoside with thioglycoside methyl (ethyl 5-acetamido-4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-3,5-dideoxy-2-thio-D-glycero--D-galacto-2-nonulopyranosyl)oate in acetonitrile in the presence of N-iodosuccinimide and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid afforded 2-azidoethyl [methyl (5-acetamido-4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycero--D-galacto-2-nonulopyranosyl)oate]-(2 3)-(2,6-di-O-benzyl--D-galactopyranosyl)-(1 4)-2,3,6-tri-O-benzyl--D-glucopyranoside, the selectively protected derivative of the oligosaccharide chain of GM₃ ganglioside, in 79% yield. Its 4-O-glycosylation with a disaccharide glycosyl donor, (4-trichloroacetophenyl-4,6-di-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-3-O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl--D-galactopyranosyl) 1-thio-2-trichloroacetamido--D-galactopyranoside in dichloromethane in the presence of N-iodosuccinimide and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid gave 2-azidoethyl (2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl--D-galactopyranosyl)-(1 3)-(4,6-di-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-trichloroacetamido--D-galactopyranosyl)-(1 4)-{[methyl (5-acetamido-4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycero--D-galacto-2-nonulopyranosyl)onate]-(2 3)}-(2,6-di-O-benzyl--D-galactopyranosyl)-(1 4)-2,3,6-tri-O-benzyl--D-glucopyranoside in 85% yield. The resulting pentasaccharide was O-deprotected, its N-trichloroacetyl group was replaced by N-acetyl group, and the aglycone azide group was reduced to afford in 85% overall yield aminoethyl glycoside of -D-Gal-(1 3)--D-GalNAc-(1 4)-[-D-Neu5Ac-(2 3)]--D-Gal-(1 4)--D-Glc-OCH₂CH₂NH₂ containing the oligosaccharide chain of GM₁ ganglioside.     

Energetics of the growth of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum and Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus on ammonium chloride and dinitrogen

Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum was grown in continuous culture in a fermenter gassed with H₂ and CO₂ as sole carbon and energy sources, and in a medium which contained either NH₄Cl or gaseous N₂ as nitrogen source. Growth was possible with N₂. Steady states were obtained at various gas flow rates with NH₄Cl and with and the maintenance coefficient varied with the gas input and with the nitrogen source. Growth of Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus in continuous culture in a fermenter gassed with H₂, CO₂ as nitrogen, carbon and energy sources was also examined.Abbreviations molecular growth yield (g dry weight of cells per mol of CH₄ evolved) - growth rate (h^-1) - D dilution rate (h^-1) - rate (h_-1); relation of Neijssel and Tempest and of Stouthamer and Bettenhaussen - energy     

Synthesis, crystal structure, electronic structure, bonding, photoluminescence and spectroscopic property investigations of a mononuclear 1,10-phenanthroline and 5-bromo-salicylate ternary indium(III) complex

The synthesis, X-ray structure, electronic structure, bonding, photoluminescence, spectroscopic property and characterization of an indium(III) complex, [In(Hbsac)₃(phen)] (1) (H₂bsac = 5-bromo-salicylic acid, and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) are presented. Complex 1 is octacoordinate and carboxylate chelating, being novel and rarely reported for main group complexes. The electronic structure, bonding and the charge transfer properties of light excitation and light emission are discussed in detail using first-principles theory, including partial density of states (PDOSs), crystal orbital overlap population (COOP), the density functional theory (DFT/TDDFT) analysis schemes. The charge transfer is mainly π → π^∗ intraligand charge transfer transition (ILCT) for excitation, and π → π^∗ ligand-to-ligand charge transfer transition (LL′CT) for emission in nature.     

Interaction of high-affinity nucleotide binding sites in mitochondrial ATP synthesis and hydrolysis

The present study contributes to the problem of the dynamic structure of mitochondrial F1-ATPase and the functional interrelation of so-called tight nucleotide binding sites. Nucleotide analogs are used as a tool to differentiate two distinct functional states of the membrane-bound enzyme, proposed to reflect corresponding conformational states; they reveal F1-ATPase as a dual-state enzyme: ATP-synthetase, and ATP-hydrolase. The analogs used are 3-naphthoyl esters of AD(T)P, and 2(3)-O-trinitrophenyl ethers of AD(T)P. Both types of analogs act inversely to each other with respect to their relative effects on oxidative phosphorylation and on ATPase in submitochondrial vesicles. The respective ratios ofK _i versus both processes are 250/1 compared to 1/170. It is also shown that in the presence of the inhibitory 3-esters oxidative phosphorylation deviates from linear kinetics and that these inhibitors induce a lag time of oxidative phosphorylation depending on the initial pattern of nucleotides available to energized submitochondrial vesicles. The duration of the lag time coincides with the time course of displacement of the analog from a tight binding site. The conclusions of the study are: (a) the catalytic sites of F₁-ATP-synthetase are not operating independently from each other; they rather interact in a cooperative manner; (b) F₁-ATPase as a dual-state enzyme exhibits highly selective responses to tight binding of nucleotides or analogs in its energized (membrane-bound) state versus its nonenergized state, respectively.Abbreviations used: N-AD(T)P, 3-O-naphthoyl(1)-AD(T)P; DMAN-AD(T)P, 3-O-(5-dimethylaminonaphthoyl(1))-AD(T)P, also termed F-AD(T)P in previous papers because of its fluorescence; TNP-AD(T)P, 2(3)-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-AD(T)P; FCCP,p-trifluoromethoxycarbonylcyanide phenylhydrazone.     

Elevated CO2 and temperature effects on soil carbon and nitrogen cycling in ryegrass/white clover turves of an Endoaquept soil

Effects of elevated CO₂ (700 L L^–1) and a control (350 L L^–1 CO₂) on the productivity of a 3-year-old ryegrass/white clover pasture, and on soil biochemical properties, were investigated with turves of a Typic Endoaquept soil in growth chambers. Temperature treatments corresponding to average winter, spring, and summer conditions in the field were applied consecutively to all of the turves. An additional treatment, at 700 L L^–1 CO₂ and a temperature 6°C higher throughout than in the other treatments, was included.Under the same temperature conditions, overall herbage yields in the 700 L L^–1 CO₂ treatment were ca. 7% greater than in the control at the end of the summer period. Root mass (to ca 25 cm depth) in the 700 L L^–1 CO₂ treatment was then about 50% greater than in the control, but in the 700 L L^–1 CO₂+6°C treatment it was 6% lower than in the control. Based on decomposition results, herbage from the 700 L L^–1+6°C treatment probably contained the highest proportion of readily decomposable components.Elevated CO₂ had no consistent effect on soil total C and N, microbial C and N, or extractable C concentrations in any of the treatments. Under the same temperature conditions, it did, however, enhance soil respiration (CO₂-C production) and invertase activity. The effects of elevated CO₂ on rates of net N mineralization were less distinct, and the apparent availability of N for the sward was not affected. Under elevated CO₂, soil in the higher-temperature treatment had a higher microbial C:N ratio; it also had a greater potential to degrade plant materials.Data interpretation was complicated by soil spatial variability and the moderately high background levels of organic matter and biochemical properties that are typical of New Zealand pasture soils. More rapid cycling of C under CO₂ enrichment is, nevertheless, indicated. Futher long-term experiments are required to determine the overall effect of elevated CO₂ on the soil C balance.     

Picosecond Raman spectroscopy of the B830 LH2 complex ofChromatium purpuratum BN 5500

A setup for generating the Stokes Raman lines of benzene (556, 588 and 624 nm, 50 ps) by the use of the second harmonic of a Nd: YLF regenerative amplifier system (527 nm, 70 ps, 1 kHz) has been built. This was then used to detect, for the first time, the picosecond Raman spectrum of a carotenoid bound to an isolated light-harvesting complex of a photosynthetic bacterium. The 527 and 588 nm pulses have been used, respectively, for pumping and probing (delay 0 ps) the S₁ and T₁ states of okenone which is bound to both the isolated B830 LH2 complex and the chromatophores fromChromatium purpuratum BN 5500. Comparison of the above spectra with the S₁ and T₁ Raman spectra of all-trans-okenone, free inn-hexane solution, shows that only the T₁ state is detected with the LH2 complex, and that both the S₁ and T₁ states are detected with the chromatophores. The results indicate that in the chromatophores there are at least two types of S₁ carotenoids with different lifetimes, i.e., one in the LH2 complex which is too short-lived to be detected, most probably due to efficient energy transfer to bacteriochlorophyll, and the other in either the reaction center or the LH1 complex which is long-lived enough to be pumped and probed by 50 70 ps pulses. The results also indicate that at least two of the actively light-harvesting carotenoid molecules are in close connection in the isolated LH2 complex since the T₁ state is generated through singlet homofission within the short S₁ lifetime.     

Acceptor side effects on the electron transfer at cryogenic temperatures in intact photosystem II

In intact PSII, both the secondary electron donor (Tyr_Z) and side-path electron donors (Car/Chl_Z/Cyt_b559) can be oxidized by P₆₈₀⁺ at cryogenic temperatures. In this paper, the effects of acceptor side, especially the redox state of the non-heme iron, on the donor side electron transfer induced by visible light at cryogenic temperatures were studied by EPR spectroscopy. We found that the formation and decay of the S₁Tyr_Z EPR signal were independent of the treatment of K₃Fe(CN)₆, whereas formation and decay of the Car⁺/Chl_Z⁺ EPR signal correlated with the reduction and recovery of the Fe³⁺ EPR signal of the non-heme iron in K₃Fe(CN)₆ pre-treated PSII, respectively. Based on the observed correlation between Car/Chl_Z oxidation and Fe³⁺ reduction, the oxidation of non-heme iron by K₃Fe(CN)₆ at 0 °C was quantified, which showed that around 50-60% fractions of the reaction centers gave rise to the Fe³⁺ EPR signal. In addition, we found that the presence of phenyl-p-benzoquinone significantly enhanced the yield of Tyr_Z oxidation. These results indicate that the electron transfer at the donor side can be significantly modified by changes at the acceptor side, and indicate that two types of reaction centers are present in intact PSII, namely, one contains unoxidizable non-heme iron and another one contains oxidizable non-heme iron. Tyr_Z oxidation and side-path reaction occur separately in these two types of reaction centers, instead of competition with each other in the same reaction centers. In addition, our results show that the non-heme iron has different properties in active and inactive PSII. The oxidation of non-heme iron by K₃Fe(CN)₆ takes place only in inactive PSII, which implies that the Fe³⁺ state is probably not the intermediate species for the turnover of quinone reduction.