Biochemical analysis of isoallelic series at the al- i locus of Neurospora crassa

The neutral carotenoids of 3 phenotypically distinct albino-1 (al- i) strains, a wild type, 2 heterokaryons containing 2 al- i, alleles and 1 heterokaryon containing al- i+al-2 markers were analyzed. All al- i strains and the al- i heterokaryons contained large amounts of phytoene and only traces of higher carotenoids such as -carotene and lycopene which are responsible for the phenotypic variation at this locus (from pure white to lemon yellow). The biochemical lesion for al- i mutants affects phytoene dehydrogenase and enzyme leakiness accounts for the gene polymorphism. There is no evidence for interallelic complementation at the al- i locus.     

Revision der GattungLoxonia (Gesneriaceae)

Within the genusLoxonia Jack, currently regarded as monotypic, three species are recognized:L. hirsuta Jack (Sumatra, Mentawai-Islands, Java, Borneo, Anambas-Islands, Malay Peninsula),L. discolor Jack (Sumatra) andL. burttiana A. Weber, spec. nova (Borneo). [Key with English translation p. 203.] There is evidence thatL. discolor is the most primitive species within the genus, the two others being derived from it.

Teil V der Beiträge zur Morphologie und Systematik derKlugieae undLoxonieae (Gesneriaceae).     

On the validity of the genusDactylococcopsis (Cyanophyceae)

Summary The genusDactylococcopsis Hansg. 1888 (Cyanophyceae) is based on the typeD. rupestris, which was later identified as a green algae. Most of the many species described later were also placed to other groups of algae. Several authors even doubted about the existence of the genus. As, however, some species of Cyanophyceae correspond to the original generic diagnosis, the name Dactylococcopsis Hansg. ex R. et F.Chod. 1925 has been proposed as a nomen conservandum, and a new type (D. smithii R. et F.Chod.) has been defined. Further speciesD. linearis Geitl. 1935 and D.Planctonica Teil. 1942 has been unambiguously described till now.     

Chromosome size and DNA values in sundews (Droseraceae)

Relative DNA content has been determined Feulgen cytophotometrically and autoradiographically for roottip nuclei of Drosophyllum lusitanicum L., (2n=12), Drosera rotundifolia L. (2x=20), D. intermedia Hayne (2x=20), D. linearis Goldie (2x= 20), D. binata Labill. (3x=32), D. capensis L. (4x= 40), D. spathulata Labill. (8x=80), all Droseraceae. Relative DNA values per diploid genome for Drosophyllum and diploid, triploid, and higher polyploid Drosera were approximately as 16421. These values are terms of a geometric series and are compatible with a multistranded (polyneme) interpretation of chromosome structure.     

The xylogalactan sulfate from Chondria macrocarpa (Ceramiales,Rhodophyta)

A structure is proposed for the complex xylogalactan sulfate from Chondria macrocarpa. The hot-water extract of C. macrocarpa was desulfated or alkali-treated and Smith degraded. Constituent sugars and their substitution patterns were identified using a modified Hakamori methylation procedure suited to sulfated polysaccharides and a double hydrolysis-reduction protocol that yielded derivatives from all of the sugar residues, including the labile 3,6-anhydrogalactosyl residues. The polymer has an agar-type backbone of alternating 3-linked \-d- and 4-linked -L-galactopyranosyl units. The d-residues are partially sulfated on O-2 (50%) and O-6 (20–30%). About 40% of the l-residues are present as the 3,6-anhydride and 25% as its precursor l-galactose 6-sulfate. A significant proportion of the remaining l-galactosyl residues have both a d-xylopyranosyl substituent on O-3 and a sulfate ester on O-6 and are stable to alkali.     

Nomenklatur,Chromosomenzahlen und Evolution vonArabis auriculata Lam.,A. nova Vill. undA. verna (L.) R.Br. (Brassicaceae)

Zusammenfassung Auf Grund des Holotypus im Herbarium P-LA wird der NameArabia auriculata Lam. als korrekter Name für die am weitesten verbreitete Species der SectionAlomatium DC. emend. O. E.Schulz wieder eingeführt, als deren Typusart sie zugleich vorgeschlagen wird.A. auriculata Lam. 1783 wurde in letzter Zeit fälschlich in europäischen Floren mit dem jüngeren Synonym A. recta Vill. 1789 belegt und in vorderasiatischen Floren A. nova Vill. 1779 genannt.A. nova Vill. ist jedoch eine europäisch-submediterrane Art, die nicht mitA. auriculata Lam. conspecifisch ist. A. auriculata undA. nova sind diploid (2 n=16),A. verna ist tetraploid (2 n=32, diese Zahl wird erstmals veröffentlicht). A. auriculata undA. nova sind vorwiegend autogam,A. verna ist ebenfalls selbstkompatibel und trotz ihrer auffälligeren Blüten fakultativ autogam. Die drei wärmeliebenden Arten sind normalerweise einjährig, manchmal jedoch auch zweijährig. Als Einjährige sind sie in der Gattung als abgeleitet anzusehen.

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Nomenclature, chromosome numbers and evolution ofArabis auriculata Lam.,A. nova Vill., andA. verna (L.) K.Br. (Brassicaceae)

Summary Based on its holotype in the herbarium P-LA the nameArabis auriculata Lam. 1783 is re-established as the correct name of the widespread annual species, which was falsely called A. recta Vill. 1789 in recent European floras, and A. nova Vill. 1779 in recent floras of Western Asia. It is shown that A. nova Vill. refers to a European species of the submediterranean region, which is not conspecific withA. auriculata Lam. A. auriculata Lam. is proposed to be the lectotype ofArabis L. sect.Alomatium DC. emend. O. E.Schulz, comprising the species discussed here. A. auriculata andA. nova are diploids (2 n=16),A. verna is a tetraploid (2 n=32); the latter chromosome number is reported here for the first time. A. auriculata andA. nova are predominantly self-fertilizing,A. verna (though having more conspicuous flowers) is self-compatible and thus facultatively autogamous as well. The three thermophilous species are normally annual, only sometimes biennial. As annuals they are to be regarded as evolutionary derived within the genusArabis.

     

Substrate specificity of the intestinal brush-border proline/sodium (IMINO) transporter

Summary l-proline uptake via the intestinal brush-borderIMINO carrier was tested for inhibition by 41 compounds which included sugars, N-methylated, -,-, - and -amino and imino acids, and heterocyclic analogs of pyrrolidine, piperidine and pyridine. Based on competitive inhibitor constants (apparentK/'s) we find that theIMINO carrier binding site interacts with molecules which possess a well-defined set of structural prerequisites. The ideal inhibitor must 1) be a heterocyclic nitrogen ring, 2) have a hydrophobic region, 3) be thel-stereoisomer of 4) an electronegative carbonyl group which is 5) separated by a one-carbon atom spacer from 6) an electropositive tetrahedral imino nitrogen with two H atoms. Finally, 7) the inhibitor conformation determined by dynamic ring puckering must position all these features within a critical domain. The two best inhibitors arel-pipecolate (apparentK/0.2mm) andl-proline (apparentK/0.3mm).     

Heteromerikarpie und Fruchtpolymorphismus beiMicroparacaryum,gen. nov., (Boraginaceae)

Microparacaryum (M. Pop. exH. Riedl)Hilger & Podlech is described as a new genus of theBoraginaceae-Cynoglosseae. It comprises the annual species hitherto included inParacaryum (DC.)Boiss. andMattiastrum (Boiss.)Brand. Distribution maps are given for all 3 genera.Microparacaryum consists of two species,M. salsum (Boiss.)Hilger & Podlech (M. s.) andM. intermedium (Fresen.)Hilger & Podlech (M. i.). ParticularlyM. i. is a very variable species, and most of the species formerly recognized belong here. Scattered all over the range of the genus, plants occur with nutlets exhibiting flat or incurved marginal wings, often in mixed populations. This fruit polymorphism is taxonomically treated by recognizing formae. In addition, the following new infraspecific taxa and combinations are described:M. i. var.intermedium formaparacaryoides Hilger & Podlech,M. i. var.stellatum (H. Riedl)Hilger & Podlech,M. i. var.stellatum formamattiastroides Hilger & Podlech,M. s. formamattiastroides Hilger & Podlech.

     

Ctenomyces Serratus Sensu Stricto (Eidam) Gr. Et Schw. 1964. Ein Beitrag Zur Systematik Der Gymnoascaceen

Zusammenfassung In Übereinstimmung mit der Empfehlung vonBenjamin (1956) wird für das Sklerotium-Stadium vonEidam's Ctenomyces serratus der Name Ct. serratus beibehalten. Für die GattungCtenomyces sensu strictu (Eidam)Gr. etSchw. und die Typen-ArtCt. serratus sensu strictu (Eidam)Gr. etSchw. werden die Diagnosen gegeben.     

ThechlL (frxC) gene: Phylogenetic distribution in vascular plants and DNA sequence fromPolystichum acrostichoides (Pteridophyta) andSynechococcus sp. 7002 (Cyanobacteria)

We examinedchlL (frxC) gene evolution using several approaches. Sequences from the chloroplast genome of the fernPolystichum acrostichoides and from the cyanobacteriumSynechococcus sp. 7002 were determined and found to be highly conserved. A complete physical map of the fern chloroplast genome and partial maps of other vascular plant taxa show thatchlL is located primarily in the small single copy region as inMarchantia polymorpha. A survey of a wide variety of non-angiospermous vascular plant DNAs shows thatchlL is widely distributed but has been lost in the pteridophytePsilotum and (presumably independently) within the Gnetalean gymnosperms.The namefrxC was originally used to denote a gene encoding a product with probable Fe : S cluster binding activity. This activity was postulated due to the amino acid sequence similarity between this product and the Fe : S-binding nitrogenase iron proteinnifH. Fe : S-binding is a property shared by ferredoxins, which are denoted by the prefix frx. However, this gene does not encode a ferredoxin. It is much larger than any known ferredoxin, it binds its Fe : S cluster between two halves of a homodimer (Fujita & al. 1989,Burke & al. 1993 a, c) instead of within a single subunit, and it lacks the pattern of clustered cysteines present in all ferredoxins (Meyer 1988). Therefore, we use the namechlL to recognize the sequence and functional similarities to the bacterial PChlide reductase subunit,bchL. Similar usage has been adopted for this (Suzuki & Bauer 1992) and other (Choquet & al. 1992,Burke & al. 1993b) PChlide reductase subunits.     

Leptothorax (Mychothorax) muscorum Nylander undLeptothorax (M.) gredleri Mayr zwei gute Arten

Zusammenfassung Körpergrösse, Epinotaldornlänge, Kopulationsorgane der , Form des Clypeus und Färbung von und sind beiLeptothorax (Mychothorax) muscorum Nyl. undL. (M.) gredleri Mayr so verschieden, dass beide Arten eindeutig zu unterscheiden sind. In der Umgebung von Würzburg kommen beide Arten eng nebeneinander vor und schwärmen zur gleichen Zeit ohne sich zu kreuzen. Sie sollten daher als gute Arten betrachtet werden.

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Summary Length of body and epinotal spines, male genitalia, structure of clypeus and colour of and ofLeptothorax (Mychothorax) muscorum Nyl. andL. (M.) gredleri Mayr are as much different that the two species are clearly to distinguish. Around Würzburg both species are found closely together and swarm simultaneously without crossbreeding. Therefore they should be considered as valable species.

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Résumé La longueur du corps et des épines épinotales, les génitalia mâles, la façon du clypeus et la coloration de et deLeptothorax (Mychothorax) muscorum Nyl. etL. (M.) gredleri Mayr sont assez différentes que l'on peut distinguer les deux espèces nettement. Autour de Würzburg les deux espèces sont trouvées souvent ensemble; l'essaimage a lieu au même temps sans croisement. C'est pourquoi elles doivent être considérées comme des espèces valables.

     

Synthesis of an H type 2 and a Y (Ley) glycoside from thioglycoside intermediates

The trisaccharide 2-(p-trifluoroacetamidophenyl)ethyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-4-O-[2-O-(-l-fucopyranosyl)--d-galactopyranosyl]--d-glucopyranoside 1 and the tetrasaccharide 2-(p-trifluoroacetamidophenyl)ethyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-3-O-(-l-fucopyranosyl)-4-O-[2-O-(-l-fucopyranosyl)--d-galactopyranosyl]--d-glucopyranoside 2 were synthesized. Thioglycosides, suitably protected, activated directly with methyl trifluoromethanesulfonate or dimethyl(methylthio)sulfonium tetrafluoroborate or activated after bromine treatment with halophilic reagents, were used as glycosyl donors in the construction of the glycosidic linkages.Abbreviations DMTSB dimethyl(methylthio)sulfonium tetrafluoroborate - Phth phthaloyl - MBn p-methoxybenzyl - ClBn p-chlorobenzyl     

Aurantiosporium,a new genus forUstilago subnitens (Ustilaginales)

A new genus,Aurantiosporium Piepenbring, Vánky & Oberwinkler (Ustilaginales), is proposed for the smut speciesUstilago subnitens Schröter & Hennings onScleria melaleuca Reichb. The soral morphology, teliospore development, the ultrastructure of the teliospore wall and teliospore germination ofAurantiosporium subnitens, studied on collections from Costa Rica, are described for the first time. The character set ofA. subnitens including intercellular teliospore development, spores in irregular groups and light coloured spore walls with numerous layers in TEM is neither known fromUstilago norCintractia nor any other smut species.Part 113 in the series Studies inHeterobasidiomycetes from the Botanical Institute, University of Tübingen.     

L-3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)alanine (<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">L</Emphasis>-DOPA), an allelochemical exuded from velvetbean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mucuna pruriens</Emphasis>) roots

We investigated whether or not lettuce growth was inhibited by diffused L-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)alanine (L-DOPA), an allelochemical exuded from the roots of velvetbean (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. utilis) cultivars using a modified plant-box bioassay. For all the cultivars and one accession examined L-DOPA diffused from the roots and caused radicle and hypocotyl growth inhibition. A high correlation co-efficient (r = 0.838 to 0.982) was observed between L-DOPA concentration and lettuce seed sowing distance. L-DOPA diffused equally in all directions from roots at 0 mm position (close to root surface) in the plant-box, while the inhibition (%) of lettuce radicle growth gradually decreased with distance from the roots. For all cultivars the concentration of L-DOPA was significantly different at 0 mm position: being highest in cv. preta (167 g/ml) and lowest in cv. jaspeada and cv. ana (13 g/ml). The correlation between lettuce radicle growth inhibition and concentration of diffused L-DOPA was high (r = 0.856 to 0.966) in all cultivars and accession examined. However, the concentration of diffused L-DOPA did not correlate with the fresh weight concentration of L-DOPA measured in roots. The lettuce radicle growth inhibition from mucuna diffused L-DOPA was very similar that induced by synthetic L-DOPA, suggesting that diffused L-DOPA was the allelochemical responsible for growth inhibition.     

Die Gattungsmerkmale vonSchizoboea (Gesneriaceae-Didymocarpeae)

The two characters used byBurtt (1974) to segregate the genusSchizoboea fromDidymocarpus, viz. terminal inflorescence and fruit splitting into 4 valves, have been studied in detail: (a) The terminal inflorescence represents a bracteate florescence (sensuTroll), that is an open thyrse, peculiar because of its only two extremely condensed internodes (basic internode + 1 following internode). Correspondingly, there are only two pairs of bracts from which the lower one only is capable to develop axillary partial florescences, i.e. pair-flowered cymes. Thus, the number of cymes is restricted to 2. Because of the condensed internodes, the inconspicuous bracts, and the densely aggregated flowers the two cymes simulate a unitary, terminal structure. By sympodial (± asymmetrically dichasial) linkage of shoot units, composed of an extended internode, a foliage leaf pair (from the axils of which the consecutive units arise) and the florescence,Schizoboea forms (polytelic) anthocladial shoot systems like some genera of the tribeKlugieae (incl.Loxonieae). (b) The fruit dehisces first loculicidally, then each valve splits into three portions (lateral rib and 2 semivalves). Moreover, the 4 placentae become isolated, thus the old fruit comprises 10 elements forming a loose fascicle.—The segregation ofSchizoboea fromDidymocarpus is supported. Whether the affinity is closer toSaintpaulia (as suspected byBurtt) ot toDidymocarpus, remains undecided: In regard to its shoot and inflorescence organization a morphological derivation is possible from both genera.

     

Untersuchungen zur histochemischen Lokalisation der Leucin- und Cystinaminopeptidase (Oxytocinase) in der Placenta

Zusammenfassung Mit einer von Semm und Waidl (1962) angegebenen histochemischen Methode wurde versucht, die Serumoxytocinase in der menschlichen Placenta unter Verwendung von l-Cystin-di--Naphthylamid (CBNA) als Substrat nachzuweisen. Diese Methode war chemisch nicht realisierbar, da das vom Substrat abgespaltene -Naphthylamin mit NaNO₂ bei pH 4,9 diazotiert und anschließend mit N-1(Naphthyl)-äthylendiamin zu einem blauen Farbstoff gekoppelt werden soll. Eine Diazotierung kann in diesem pH-Bereich nicht erfolgen. Erst nach Senkung des pH unter 2,0 konnten die Versuche von Semm und Waidl nachvollzogen werden. Hinsichtlich ihrer Aussagekraft über die Histotopie des gesuchten Ferments waren sie jedoch unbefriedigend und von fehlerhaften Schlüssen abhängig.Mit der Methode nach Nachlas, Crawford und Seligman unter Verwendung des zwar unspezifischeren, dafür aber von der Serumoxytocinase zwanzigmal schneller als CBNA gespaltenen l-Leucin--Naphthylamid (LBNA) als Substrat gelang ein histochemischer Nachweis der Schwangerenserumoxytocinase. Durch Hemmung der Leucinaminopeptidase mit DL-Methionin und der Ocytocinase mit EDTA konnte nachgewiesen werden, daß es sich bei diesen Fermentaktivitäten zum größten Teil um die Serumoxytocinase handelt. Die Verwendung des weitaus spezifischeren Substrates CBNA führte nach allerdings längeren Inkubationszeiten zum selben Ergebnis: Es fand sich ein körniger Farbniederschlag im Trophoblasten und in den X-Zellen der Placentasäulen. Diese Strukturen können daher als Bildungsoder Speicherungsstätte der Oxytocinase angesehen werden.

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Investigations on the histochemical localization of leucine- and cystineaminopeptidase

Summary The histochemical demonstration of oxytocinase in human placenta described by Semm and Waidl (1962) is based on the use of L-cystine-di--naphthylamide (CBNA) as a substrate for enzymatic cleavage, on diazotising the enzymically hydrolysed -naphthalamine, and of the development of a blue color by coupling the diazocompound with N-1 (naphthyl)-ethylenediamine. Yet the method was not realisable chemically, because of the high pH during diazotising -naphthylamine. After lowering the pH under 2,0 we succeeded in obtaining the results described by Semm and Waidl. They have to be regarded however as an artefact for tissue staining was of secondary nature. Diffusion of oxytocinase during incubation period lead to an enzymatic reaction within the solvent and not within the tissue as should be supposed.Following the method of Nachlas, Crawford and Seligman (1957) with L-leucine--naphthylamide (LBNA) as substrate we succeded in the real histochemical demonstration of oxytocinase. The cleavage of LBNA by oxytocinase proceeds twenty times faster than the cleavage of the more specific CBNA. Inhibition of Oxytocinase with EDTA was followed by a nearly complete loss of enzyme specific staining, inhibition of leucineaminopeptidase with D,L-methionine displayed no significant loss in enzyme activities. We can conclude therefore that these aminopeptidase activities being located in the trophoblast and in the X-cells of the human placenta are depending chiefly on oxytocinase.

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Mit dankenswerter Unterstützung durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.     

Ultrastructure of spermatozoa of Peregrinus maidis (Homoptera,Delphacidae)

Summary The spermatozoa of Peregrinus maidis Ashm. are thread-like, approximately 650 long and 1 wide including the head (approximately 28 ).The main part of the spermatozoa consists of two mitochondria derivatives, a central body between them, the axial filament complex, and a newly found element consisting of two wing-shaped bodies. Each mitochondrion derivative shows a peripheral and an inner part. The peripheral part is formed by cristae arranged perpendicularly to the long axis of the spermatozoon. The cristae are approximately 70 Å wide. The dense layers between them measure approximately 280 Å. The inner part of the mitochondrion derivative shows a crystalline array, formed by sub-units of approximately 100 Å diameter. The wing-shaped bodies consist of tubular elements.The head has an elongated nucleus with an electron transparent space inside. At the anterior end of the nucleus lies a tapered acrosome. This appears fibrous and parts of the acrosome fibers seem to run along the nucleus. Acknowledgements. The authors wish to thank Dr. G. H. Bergold for suggestions and support, Drs. J. André, D. W. Fawcett, P. Maillet and G. F. Meyer for very helpful discussion. They are also grateful to Mr. O. Suárez for assistance in the preparation of the organs of P. maidis and to Mrs. M. de Pingarrón for technical assistance.     

Isolation and characterization of five serine proteases with trypsin-, chymotrypsin- and elastase-like characteristics from the gut of the lugworm Arenicola marina (L.) (Polychaeta)

Summary Five proteases were isolated from the digestive fluid of the lugworm, Arenicola marina L. The enzymes (molecular weight 24.0–24.6 kDa) were classified as serine proteases. Three enzymes showed a cleavage specificity corresponding to mammalian trypsin (E.C. 3.4.21.4). One protease possessed a chymotrypsin-like cleavage pattern (E.C. 3.4.21.1), and the fifth preferred cleavage behind short-chain amino acids like an elastase (E.C. 3.4.21.36). Detailed investigations revealed differences in molecular characteristics and cleavage patterns compared to mammalian proteases, especially in the chymotrypsin- and the elastase-like enzymes.Abbreviations APNE N-acetyl-d/l-Phe -naphthyl ester - BANA N-benzoyl-d/l-Arg -naphthylamide - BAPNA N-benzoyl-d/l-Arg-4-nitroanilide - BIGGANA N-benzoyl-l-Ile-l-Glu-Gly-l-Arg-4-nitroanilide - BLPNA N-benzoyl-d/l-Lys-4-nitroanilide - BTEE N-benzoyl-l-Tyr ethyl ester - enzyme T1/T2/T3 trypsin-like enzyme - enzyme ChT chymotrypsin-like enzyme - enzyme E elastase-like enzyme - GPANA N-glutaryl-l-Phe-4-nitroanilide - MUF 4-methylumbelliferryl - MW molecular weight - PMSF phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride - SAAPPNA N-succinyl-l-Ala-l-Ala-l-Pro-l-Phe-4-nitroanilide - SBTI soybean trypsin inhibitor - SPPNA N-succinyl-l-Phe-4-nitroanilide - TAME N-tosyl-l-Arg methyl ester - TFA trifluoracetic acid - TLCK N-tosyl-l-Lys chloromethyl ketone - TPCK N-tosyl-l-Phe chloromethyl ketone - TRIS tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane     

Glycosylation with thioglycosides activated by dimethyl(methylthio)sulfonium tetrafluoroborate: synthesis of two trisaccharide glycosides corresponding to the blood group A and B determinants

Two trisaccharide glycosides,p-trifluoroacetamidophenylethyl 3-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy--d-galactopyranosyl)-2-O-(-l-fucopyranosyl)--d-galactopyranoside andp-trifluoroa-cetamidophenylethyl 2-O-(-l-fucopyranosyl)-3-O-(-d-galactopyranosyl)--d-galactopyranoside, corresponding to the human blood group A and B determinants, were synthesized. A key fucosylgalactosyl disaccharide derivative was glycosylated with galactosaminyl or galactosyl donors, respectively. Dimethyl (thiomethyl)sulfonium tetrafluoroborate was used for thioglycoside activation in coupling reactions.     

Chemical and biological studies on the lipopolysaccharide (O-antigen) of Anacystis nidulans

The O-antigen (lipopolysaccharide) of Anacystis nidulans, strain KM, has been isolated from whole cells and from cell wall preparations by phenolwater extraction. The polysaccharide moiety consists of a D-mannose polymer accompanied by smaller amounts of 3- and 4-O-methyl-D-mannoses, D-galactose, D-glucose, L-fucose, D-glucosamine, mannosamine and 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonate. Aldoheptoses are lacking. The degraded polysaccharide is split from lipid A by acid hydrolysis (10% acetic acid, 100°C, 3 h) whereby 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonate is released in small amounts. Degraded polysaccharide forms only one major fraction by Sephadex G-50 gel-filtration. This fraction includes all the sugars mentioned above except L-fucose, which is released during the acetic acid degradation. Periodate studies and methylation analysis revealed that the poly-mannose chain consists of about 75% 13 linked and of 25% 14 linked D-mannose units.Lipid A of A. nidulans is phosphate-free. The main fatty acid, -hydroxypalmitic acid, is exclusively amide-bound, presumably to the amino group of D-glucosamine. Other fatty acids, found as minor constituents, are -hydroxymyristic, palmitic and stearic acids. Lipopolysaccharide of A. nidulans KM exhibits high anticomplementary activity in guineapig serum. It is about 800 times less toxic for adrenalectomized mice than endotoxin from Salmonella typhimurium.The isolated lipopolysaccharide reacts with rabbit antisera against living or heat-killed cells of A. nidulans in passive hemagglutination, when untreated or heated, but not when alkali-treated lipopolysaccharide is used for red blood cell sensibilization. It is concluded that lipopolysaccharide of A. nidulans KM is exposed on the surface of the cell.