Mating behaviour of Glossina pallidipes Austen (Diptera, Glossinidae): Genetic differences in copulation time between allopatric populations

Copulation duration of Glossina pallidipes from Lambwe Valley (0° 35, S, 34° 15 E) and Kibwezi Forest (2° 27 S, 37° 55 E) in Kenya, was investigated in the laboratory. The difference in mean copulation time between the populations was highly significant. Reciprocal copulations showed that the trait is predominantly or only determined by the male. F₁ and F₂ male hybrid durations were similar and intermediate between the parental durations. The variances of the F₂ hybrid durations were not significantly larger than those of the F₁ hybrids. Male hybrids from backcrosses had durations on the average intermediate between their parents'. Reciprocal F₁ hybrid male durations gave different means. It is inferred that the trait, in the two populations investigated, is under polygenic control by factors distributed on an unknown number of autosomes and on the X chromosomes.

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Résumé On a étudié et comparé en laboratoire, la durée de copulation de deux populations de Glossina pallidipes du Kenya, l'une de Lambwe Valley (0°35S, 34°15E) l'autre de Kibwezi Forest (2°27S, 37°55E). Les femelles agées de 7–8 jours sont accouplées avec des mâles agés de 14–18 jours, à une température d'environ 27.5° C. La différence de la durée moyenne de copulation entre les deux populations est hautement significative: 21,8 min pour les mouches originaires de Lambwe, contre 59,0 min pour celles originaires de Kibwezi. Des accouplements croisés ont montré que le caractère est avant tout ou uniquement déterminé par le mâle. Les durées de copulation avec des mâles hybrides F₁ et F₂ sont semblables et intermédiaires avec celles observées chez les parents. Les variances de la durée de copulation pour les mâles hybrides F₂ ne sont pas significativement plus grandes que celles des hybrides F₁. Les mâles hybrides issus de croisements de retour offrent des durées de copulation en moyenne intermédiaires avec celles des parents. Les mâles hybrides réciproques F₁ ont des durées de copulation ayant des valeurs moyennes différentes.Il est conclu que le caractère évoqué, dans les deux populations testées, obéit à un contrôle polygénique, dont les facteurs sont distribués à la fois sur un nombre inconnu d'autosomes et sur les chromosomes X. Il est suggéré que le paramètre durée de la copulation peut apporter une information complémentaire dans l'étude systématique des populations de Glossina pallidipes.

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Financed by grants from Uppsala University, The Royal Swedish Academy of Science and The Lars Hierta's Memory Foundation.     

Interaction of media components during bioreactor sterilization: definition and importance of R0

Summary Sterilization of bioreactor media, to destroy viability of the indigenous microbial population, is normally accomplished by autoclaving, or heating with pressurized steam. However, simultaneous chemical changes in media can also be expected to result from the high temperatures. A kinetic procedure involving on-line computer calculation of heat input, designated asF ₀ values, was previously developed to estimate sterility achievement. A similar kinetic procedure, based on a general purpose Arrhenius pseudo rate equation and designated asR ₀ values, has now been designed to evaluate, and control the effects of temperature and heating time on chemical reactions occurring in the media. Data are presented indicating thatR ₀ may be a useful parameter for reducing variability in culture metabolism and scale-up when these variations result from different nutrient concentrations produced by non-standard heating during media sterilization in stirred bioreactors.     

Structure of theEscherichia coli ATP synthase and role of the γ and ε subunits in coupling catalytic site and proton channeling functions

The structure of theEscherichia coli ATP synthase has been studied by electron microscopy and a model developed in which the and subunits of the F₁ part are arranged hexagonally (in top view) alternating with one another and surrounding a central cavity of around 35 Å at its widest point. The and subunits are interdigitated in side view for around 60 Å of the 90 Å length of the molecule. The F₁ narrows and has three-fold symmetry at the end furthest from the F₀ part. The F₁ is linked to F₀ by a stalk approximately 45 Å long and 25–30 Å in diameter. The F₀ part is mostly buried in the lipid bilayer. The subunit provides a domain that extends into the central cavity of the F₁ part. The and subunits are in a different conformation when ATP+Mg²⁺ are present in catalytic sites than when ATP+EDTA are present. This is consistent with these two small subunits switching conformations as a function of whether or not phosphate is bound to the enzyme at the position of the phosphate of ATP. We suggest that this switching is the key to the coupling of catalytic site events with proton translocation in the F₀ part of the complex.     

The oligomycin sensitivity conferring protein (OSCP) of beef heart mitochondria: Studies of its binding to F1 and its function

The binding of oligomycin sensitivity conferring protein (OSCP) to soluble beef-heart mitochondrial ATPase (F₁) has been investigated. OSCP forms a stable complex with F₁, and the F₁ · OSCP complex is capable of restoring oligomycin- and DCCD-sensitive ATPase activity to F₁- and OSCP-depleted submitochondrial particles. The F₁ · OSCP complex retains 50% of its ATPase activity upon cold exposure while free F₁ is inactivated by 90% or more. Both free F₁ and the F₁ · OSCP complex release upon cold exposure a part—probably 1 out of 3—of their subunits; whether subunits are also lost is uncertain. The cold-treated F₁ · OSCP complex is still capable of restoring oligomycin- and DCCD-sensitive ATPase activity to F₁- and OSCP-depleted particles. OSCP also protects F₁ against modification of its subunit by mild trypsin treatment. This finding together with the earlier demonstration that trypsin-modified F₁ cannot bind OSCP indicates that OSCP binds to the subunit of F₁ and that F₁ contains three binding sites for OSCP. The results are discussed in relation to the possible role of OSCP in the interaction of F₁ with the membrane sector of the mitochondrial ATPase system.Abbreviations DCCD N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide - OSCP oligomycin sensitivity conferring protein - SDS sodium dodecylsulfate This paper is dedicated to the memory of David E. Green—scholar, pioneer, visionary.     

Molecular markers associated with seed weight in two soybean populations

Seed weight (SW) is a component of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., seed yield, as well as an important trait for food-type soybeans. Two soybean populations, 120 F₄-derived lines of YoungxPI416937 (Pop1) and 111 F₂-derived lines of PI97100xCoker 237 (Pop2), were mapped with RFLP makers to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) conditioning SW across environments and populations. The genetic map of Pop1 consisted of 155 loci covering 973 cM, whereas Pop2 involved 153 loci and covered 1600 cM of map distance. For Pop1, the phenotypic data were collected from Plains, GA., Windblow, N.C., and Plymouth, N.C., in 1994. For Pop2, data were collected from Athens, GA., in 1994 and 1995, and Blackville, S.C., in 1995. Based on single-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA), seven and nine independent loci were associated with SW in Pop1 and Pop2, respectively. Together the loci explained 73% of the variability in SW in Pop1 and 74% in Pop2. Transgressive segregation occurred among the progeny in both populations. The marker loci associated with SW were highly consistent across environments and years. Two QTLs on linkage group (LG) F and K were located at similar genomic regions in both populations. The high consistency of QTLs across environments indicates that effective marker-assisted selection is feasible for soybean SW.     

Location of a gene regulating drought-induced abscisic acid production on the long arm of chromosome 5A of wheat

The accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA) by detached and partially dehydrated wheat leaves is known to be inherited in a quantitative manner. The location of genes having a major effect on drought-induced ABA accumulation in wheat was determined using a set of single chromosome substitution lines and populations derived from a cross between a high-ABA- and a low-ABA-producing genotype. Examination of a series of chromosome substitution lines of the high-ABA genotype Ciano 67 into the low-ABA recipient Chinese Spring showed that chromosome 5A carries gene(s) that have a major influence on ABA accumulation in a drought test with detached and partially dehydrated leaves (DLT). A similar DLT was used to examine ABA accumulation in a population of F₂ plants and doubled haploid (DH) lines derived from the cross between Chinese Spring (low-ABA) and SQ1 (high-ABA) in which the F₂ population (139 plants) and DH lines (96 lines) were also mapped partially with molecular markers. Analysis of variance of ABA accumulation between and within marker allele classes in the F₂ confirmed the location of a gene(s) regulating ABA accumulation on the long arm of chromosome 5A. MAPMAKERQTL showed the most likely position for the ABA quantitative trait locus (QTL) to be between the loci Xpsr575 and Xpsr426, about 8 cM from Xpsr426. A similar trend for high ABA accumulation was found in DH lines having the SQ1 allele at marker loci in the same region of chromosome 5AL, but the QTL effect was not significant. The function of the QTL is discussed.     

Stability analysis over various filial generations in bread wheat

Summary Stability analysis on 7 parent varieties and all their possible crosses (excluding reciprocals) in generations F₁ to F₅ are reported. The regression coefficient (b) of the parents ranged from 0.66 (Sonalika) to 1.34 (Kalyansona). On the average the b value was lower in F₃ (.87) and F₂ (.88) followed by F₁ (1.04), F₄ (1.06) and F₅ (1.16). Phenotypic stability appeared to be associated with genetic constitution of the parents as well as level of heterozygosity and heterogeneity of the populations. Distinct differences were observed in general combining ability values for regression coefficients among the parents, indicating transmissibility of this trait. However, no such trend was observed for deviation mean squares. The data on yield and stability parameters showed that high mean yield is not necessarily associated with average regression, indicating the possibility of combining high mean yield with high stability.     

Comparative mapping in F2∶3 and F6∶7 generations of quantitative trait loci for grain yield and yield components in maize

This study was conducted to compare maize quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection for grain yield and yield components in F₂₃ and F₆₇ recombinant inbred (RI) lines from the same population. One hundred and eighty-six F₆₇ RIs from a Mo17×H99 population were grown in a replicated field experiment and analyzed at 101 loci detected by restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). Single-factor analysis of variance was conducted for each locus-trait combination to identify QTL. For grain yield, 6 QTL were detected accounting for 22% of the phenotypic variation. A total of 63 QTL were identified for the seven grain yield components with alleles from both parents contributing to increased trait values. Several genetic regions were associated with more than one trait, indicating possible linked and/or pleiotropic effects. In a comparison with 150 F₂₃ lines from the same population, the same genetic regions and parental effects were detected across generations despite being evaluated under diverse environmental conditions. Some of the QTL detected in the F₂₃ seem to be dissected into multiple, linked QTL in the F₆₇ generation, indicating better genetic resolution for QTL detection with RIs. Also, genetic effects at QTL are smaller in the F₆₇ generation for all traits.Abbreviations RFLPs Restriction fragment length polymorphisms - QTL quantitative trait loci - RIs recombinant inbreds Journal Paper no. J-16261 of the Iowa Agric and Home Economics Exp Stn Project no. 3134     

Kinetic studies of ATP synthase: The case for the positional change mechanism

The mitochondrial ATP synthases shares many structural and kinetic properties with bacterial and chloroplast ATP synthases. These enzymes transduce the energy contained in the membrane's electrochemical proton gradients into the energy required for synthesis of high-energy phosphate bonds. The unusual three-fold symmetry of the hydrophilic domain, F₁, of all these synthases is striking. Each F₁ has three identical subunits and three identical subunits as well as three additional subunits present as single copies. The catalytic site for synthesis is undoubtedly contained in the subunit or an , interface, and thus each enzyme appears to contain three identical catalytic sites. This review summarizes recent isotopic and kinetic evidence in favour of the concept, originally proposed by Boyer and coworkers, that energy from the proton gradient is exerted not directly for the reaction at the catalytic site, but rather to release product from a single catalytic site. A modification of this binding change hypotheses is favored by recent data which suggest that the binding change is due to a positional change in all three subunits relative to the remaining subunits of F₁ and F₀ and that the vector of rotation is influenced by energy. The positional change, or rotation, appears to be the slow step in the process of catalysis and it is accelerated in all F₁F₀ ATPases studied by substrate binding and by the proton gradient. However, in the mammalian mitochondrial enzyme, other types of allosteric rate regulation not yet fully elucidated seem important as well.     

Characterization of glycoconjugates of guinea pig seminal vesicle by lectin histochemistry

In the present study, the expression of glycoconjugates in the guinea pig seminal vesicle was localized and partially characterized by lectin histochemistry using a battery of 30 different lectins specific for different carbohydrate residues. The results indicate that the glandular epithelium of the guinea pig seminal vesicle exhibits complex glycoconjugates rich in Man, -GlcNAc, -Gal, /-GalNAc, Fuc and complex NeuAc(2,6)Gal/GalNAc residues, as shown by its positive reactions to most lectins used. The Golgi region of the luminal secretory epithelial cells expresses a complex glycoconjugate pattern, as shown by its strong reactions to Man-(PSA, GNA), -GlcNAc-(S-WGA, PWA, DSA, UDA), -Gal- (RCA-I and -II), /-GalNAc-(SBA, Jac, VVA, BPA) and complex NeuAc-(SNA) specific lectins, indicating that the secretory epithelial cells are active in glycosylation and secretion process. It was also shown in the present study that the basal and luminal epithelial cells are different in their glycoconjugates. The basal epithelial cells are rich in NeuAc(2,3)Gal residues as they are stained specifically by MAA. The fibroblasts in the epithelial-smooth muscle interface and the smooth muscle cells close to the glandular epithelium are shown to express more glycoconjugates as they are stained intensely by GS-I-B4, GS-II and SBA. However, their role in the epithelial-stromal interaction in the seminal vesicle remains to be elucidated. In summary, the present study reports for the first time on the lectin binding patterns of the guinea pig seminal vesicle, and the results show that the seminal vesicle epithelium elaborates and secretes glycoconjugates in a complex pattern. Some of the lectins might be useful as histochemical markers for the secretory activity and specific structural components in the guinea pig seminal vesicle. © 1998 Chapman & Hall     

Constant-time NOESY: An aid in the analysis of protein NMR spectra

Summary A constant-time version of the homonuclear NOESY experiment (CT-NOESY) is described. The experiment yields simplified protein spectra, in which cross peaks arising from protons with zero or small couplings are differentiated from other cross peaks, thus partially overcoming the problem of signal overlap. In addition, the CT-NOESY spectrum provides information on the magnitude of³J_NH- and³J coupling' constants, and is thus useful to determine torsion angle constraints and to perform stereospecific assignments of CHH protons in the case of³J constants.     

ATP Synthases in the Year 2000: Evolving Views about the Structures of These Remarkable Enzyme Complexes

This introductory article briefly summarizes how our views about the structural features ofATP synthases (F₀F₁) have evolved over the past 30 years and also reviews some of our currentviews in the year 2000 about the structures of these remarkably unique enzyme complexes.Suffice it to say that as we approach the end of the first year of this new millinium, we canbe conservatively confident that we have a reasonably good grasp of the overall low-resolutionstructural features of ATP synthases. Electron microscopy techniques, combined with the toolsof biochemistry, molecular biology, and immunology, have played the leading role here byidentifying the headpiece, basepiece, central stalk, side stalk, cap, and in the mitochondrialenzyme, the collar around the central stalk. We can be reasonably confident also that we havea fairly good grasp of much of the high-resolution structural features of both the F₁ moietycomprised of fives subunit types (, , , , and ) and parts of the F₀ moiety comprised ofeither three (E. coli) or at least ten (mitochondria) subunit types. This information acquiredin several different laboratories, either by X-ray crystallography or NMR spectroscopy, includesdetails about the active site and subunit relationships. Moreover, it is consistent with recentlyreported data that the F₁ moiety may be an ATP driven motor, which, during ATP synthesis,is driven in reverse by the electrochemical proton gradient generated by the electron transportchain. The real structural challenges of the future are to acquire at high resolution completeATP synthase complexes representative of different stages of the catalytic cycle during ATPsynthesis and representative also of key regulatory states.     

A method for the investigation of those transformations under which the visual recognition of a given object is invariant

An experiment is described which shows in operation the program set out in Foster (1972a) for the investigation of the invariance transformations of visual recognition. The concern in the present study is with the Lie group of rotations SO(2), and a certain centrally located foveal Landolt ring. By presenting to the visual system this Landolt ring and a rotated image in rapid succession, one attempted to induce a specified rotation-type phi-motion. Two subjects were employed. Both reported the existence of the required type of phi-motion for rotations ₀ of the Landolt ring about the visual axis with -2/72/7. By appealing to the basic Proposition 2 of Foster (1972 a), the conclusion is reached that the visual system appears capable of effecting upon a certain centrally located foveal annulus the local 1-parameter group of rotations about the visual axis ₀, [–2/7,2/7].     

Use of recombinant substitution lines in the construction of RFLP-based genetic maps of chromosomes 6A and 6B of tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum L.)

RFLP-based genetic maps of chromosomes 6A and 6B of Triticum turgidum have been constructed using data obtained by the study of Triticum turgidum var durum cv Langdon-T. t. var dicoccoides recombinant substitution lines (RSLs) supplemented with data obtained from F₃ families derived from Langdon dicoccoides 6A and 6B disomic substitution lines. The average RFLP frequencies detected for the two chromosomes in a test of 45 DNA clones with six restriction enzymes were 56% and 53%, respectively, and a subset of 32 clones gave frequencies of 75% and 72%, respectively. Seventeen loci were mapped in 6A and 18 in 6B. With the possible exception of 5 loci in the centromeric region of 6A, all of the mapped 6A and 6B loci are located in the same arm as are homologous loci in hexaploid wheat, and the linear order of the loci is the same in the two chromosomes, except possibly close to the centromere. Major differences in genetic distances exist between homologous loci located in the proximal regions of the 6AL and 6BL linkage groups, however, the distances being much larger in the former than in the latter. The 6B maps that were constructed using data from both the RSL and the F₂ populations and using data from the RSL population alone closely resemble one another, indicating that the 6B RSL population, composed of 85 lines, can be reliably used for genetic mapping. Additional studies must be conducted before the utility of the 6A RSL population, composed of 66 lines, can be adequately assessed.     

The immune response of allophenic mice to the synthetic polymer GLΦ

The immune response of allophenic mice of type C57BL/6(A × SJL) F₁ to GL administered in complete Freund's adjuvant was tested. Control mice of the three strains C57BL/6, A, and SJL are all nonresponders to this antigen. However, the F₁ generations of C57BL/6 × A, C57BL/6 × SJL, and A × SJL were all responders to the antigen, so that the complementarity of at least two genes is confirmed. The allophenic mice showed no further complementation beyond the F₁ generation, a result which may argue against the possibility that more than two genes control the response to GL in these mouse strains. Characterization of the allophenic mice over several months showed that they exhibit chimeric drift, both in their coat color and in peripheral white blood cell population. There is no apparent correlation of coat color to the lymphocyte composition of the mice at any one time. The mice are true chimeras, since killing of the two populations of white blood cells with two different anti-H-2 sera produced a 100 percent killing. The immune response of individual allophenic mice to GL showed a good correlation to the number of A × SJL lympho-cytes in the animal.Abbreviations used in this paper are GL an amino acid polymer of 57 %l-glutamic acid, 38%l-lysine, and 5%l-phenylalanine - GLT¹⁵ an amino acid polymer ofl-glutamic acid,l-lysine, and 15 %l-tyrosine - (T,G)-A-L an amino acid polymer having a polylysine backbone with side chains of polyd-l-alanine, terminating in short sequences of tyrosine and glutamic acid - GAT₁₀ an amino acid polymer of 60%l-glutamic acid, 30%l-alanine, and 10%l-tyrosine - GLA₅ an amino acid polymer of 57%l-glutamic acid, 38%l-lysine, and 5%l-alanine - DNP 2,4 dinitrophenyl - BGG bovine gamma globulin - FCS fetal calf serum - PWBC peripheral white blood cell - SWBC spleen white blood cell - T cell thymus-derived lymphocyte - B cell bone marrow-derived lymphocyte     

Average phase difference theory and 1∶1 phase entrainment in interlimb coordination

The dynamics of coupled biological oscillators can be modeled by averaging the effects of coupling over each oscillatory cycle so that the coupling depends on the phase difference between the two oscillators and not on their specific states. Average phase difference theory claims that mode locking phenomena can be predicted by the average effects of the coupling influences. As a starting point for both empirical and theoretical investigations, Rand et al. (1988) have proposed d/dt= — K sin ), with phase-locked solutions =arcsin( /K), where is the difference between the uncoupled frequencies and K is the coupling strength. Phase-locking was evaluated in three experiments using an interlimb coordination paradigm in which a person oscillates hand-held pendulums. was controlled through length differences in the left and right pendulums. The coupled frequency _c was varied by a metronome, and scaled to the eigenfrequency _v of the coupled system K was assumed to vary inversely with _c. The results indicate that: (1) and K contribute multiplicatively to (2) =0 or = regardless of K when =0; (3) 0 or regardless of when K is large (relative to ); (4) results (1) to (3) hold identically for both in phase and antiphase coordination. The results also indicate that the relevant frequency is _c/_v rather than _c. Discussion high-lighted the significance of confirming =arcsin(/K) for more general treatments of phase-locking, such as circle map dynamics, and for the 11 phase-entrainment which characterizes biological movement systems.     

Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Embryogenic Avocado Cultures and Somatic Embryo Development

Embryogenic avocado cultures were exposed to ionizing irradiation in order to determine its effect on proliferation and subsequent somatic embryo development. The approximate PD₅₀ as determined by linear regression is 35 Gy 2 weeks after irradiation for Fuerte 2.11.1 and 4 weeks after irradiation for T362 2.11.1. Irradiation of embryogenic cultures did not significantly affect the number of early stage Fuerte 2.11.1 somatic embryos that developed directly from irradiated cultures; however, 10–50 Gy inhibited somatic embryo development. Irradiation of T362 2.11.1 embryogenic cultures at 25–50 Gy inhibited the number of intermediate and mature stages of somatic embryos that developed directly from irradiated cultures, and 50 Gy inhibited somatic embryo maturation. Inhibition of somatic embryo development could be partially offset by proliferation of irradiated embryogenic cultures as suspensions. Irradiation up to 10 Gy significantly increased the number of mature Fuerte 2.11.1 somatic embryos that developed from suspension cultures. Irradiation with doses up to 25 Gy stimulated development of heart stage T362 2.11.1 somatic embryos; however, mature somatic embryo development was suppressed at dosages of 10 Gy and greater.     

Endothelin-1 and insulin induce cellular inactivation of protein kinase FA/glycogen synthase kinase-3α in a common signaling pathway

In this study, we investigate the effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and insulin on the cellular activity of protein kinase F_A/glycogen synthase kinase-3 (kinase F_A/GSK-3) in rat adipocytes. The cellular activity of kinase F_A/GSK-3 is inhibited to 50% of control within 30 min when cells are treated with 1 nM ET-1 at 37°C; in addition, significant inhibition to 60% of control is observed at as low as 1 pM ET-1. Conversely, ET-1 at concentrations up to 1 nM has no direct effect on purified kinase F_A/GSK-3 in vitro. Immunoblotting analysis further reveals that the protein level of this kinase is not significantly changed when treated with 1 nM ET-1 for 30 min. Similar to ET-1, insulin as low as 10 nM can also induce inactivation of kinase F_A/GSK-3 to 50% of control in adipocytes when processed under identical conditions. Most importantly, when treated with both insulin and ET-1, the activity of kinase F_A/GSK-3 can be decreased only to 50% of control. Taken together, the results provide initial evidence that ET-1 and insulin may regulate this important multisubstrate/multifunctional protein kinase in a common signaling pathway in cells.     

A self-fertile trigeneric hybrid,Triticum aestivum ×Agropyron michnoi ×Secale cereale

Trigeneric hybrids between the (Triticum aestivum ×Agropyron michnoi) F₁ (CM, 2n=5x=35; ABDPP) and two winter rye (Secale cereale L., 2n=2x=14; RR) cultivars, Wugong 774 and AR-132, were synthesized. Such trigeneric hybrids could be used to transfer resistance genes for powdery mildew from rye to CM and subsequently to common wheat and to identify (1) the effects of the P genome ofAgropyron on the self-fertility of the hybrids and (2) the differences in genetic background between rye cultivars with marked differences in pollinating habit. The trigeneric hybrids varied widely in morphology and showed a high level of resistance to such diseases as barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), stripe rust, leaf rust, stem rust, and powdery mildew. Selfed and many backcross derivatives were obtained from the trigeneric hybrids. The results indicated that rye cvs Wugong 774 and AR132 arose from different gene pools and that the P genome ofAgropyron carries gene(s) responsible for chromosome segregation, leading to functional gamete formation and self-fertility of the hybrids. The F₂ and BC₁ plants could be obtained in two ways — fusion of the unreduced gametes and the assumed apomixis of unreduced female gametes in the trigeneric hybrid plant II-4 — which indicates that this trigeneric hybrid may be a special genetic stock. Chromosome pairing in the trigeneric hybrids and ways of producing wheat/rye and wheat/Agropyron translocations are discussed.     

Interconversion of F430 derivatives of methanogenic bacteria

F₄₃₀ is the prosthetic group of the methylcoenzyme M reductase of methanogenic bacteria. The compound isolated from Methanosarcina barkeri appears to be identical to the one obtained from the only distinctly related Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum. F₄₃₀ is thermolabile and in the presence of acetonitrile or C10 _in4 ^sup- two epimerization products are obtained upon heating; in the absence of these compounds F₄₃₀ is oxidized to 12, 13-didehydro-F₄₃₀. The latter is stereoselectively reduced under H₂ atmosphere to F₄₃₀ by cell-free extracts of M. barkeri or M. thermoautotrophicum. H₂ may be replaced by the reduced methanogenic electron carrier coenzyme F₄₂₀.Abbreviations CH₃S-CoM methylcoenzyme M, 2-methylthioethanesulfonic acid - HS-CoM coenzyme M, 2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid - F₄₃₀ Ni(II) tetrahydro-(12, 13)-corphin with a uroporphinoid (III) ligand skeleton - 13-epi-F₄₃₀ and 12,13-di-epi-F₄₃₀ the 12, 13- and 12, 13-derivatives of F₄₃₀ - 12, 13-didehydro-F₄₃₀ F₄₃₀ oxidized at C-12 and C-13 - coenzyme F₄₂₀ 7,8-didemethyl-8-hydroxy-5-deazaflavin derivative - coenzyme F₄₂₀H₂ reduced coenzyme F₄₂₀ - MV⁺ methylviologen semiquinone - HPLC high-performance liquid chromatography